The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull, and disorders of this joint can cause pain, clicking, and limited movement. A splint, also known as an occlusal appliance, is a common non-invasive treatment prescribed by dentists to manage these symptoms. The device’s appearance is highly customized and depends entirely on the specific therapeutic goal it is designed to achieve.
Physical Characteristics and Materials
A TMJ splint is a custom-fabricated dental device that typically covers all the teeth in one arch, molded precisely to the patient’s dentition for a snug fit. The primary material is hard, medical-grade acrylic resin, providing the necessary rigidity and durability to withstand clenching or grinding forces. These appliances are most often clear or slightly translucent, allowing the natural color of the underlying teeth to show through. Hard splints are the standard because the firm material allows for precise adjustments to the biting surface, essential for therapeutic effect. Some designs incorporate a dual-laminate structure, featuring a softer thermoplastic layer against the teeth for comfort, backed by a hard acrylic biting surface for functional integrity.
Key Functional Designs
The core function of a TMJ splint dictates the specific features of its biting surface, creating two distinct looks. The stabilization splint, often covering the upper teeth, is designed to disengage the existing bite and promote muscle relaxation. Its defining characteristic is a completely flat, smooth plane across the entire surface where the opposing teeth contact it, allowing the lower teeth to glide freely. Conversely, the repositioning splint is designed to physically alter the jaw’s position, usually moving the lower jaw slightly forward to relieve pressure on the joint disc. To accomplish this, the repositioning splint includes built-in ramps, indentations, or ledges on its occlusal surface, making it visibly more contoured and less uniform than the flat-plane stabilization splint.
Splint vs. Over-the-Counter Guards
The custom TMJ splint differs significantly from generic, over-the-counter (OTC) mouthguards often sold in drugstores. The custom splint is fabricated in a dental laboratory from a precise impression, resulting in a thin, form-fitting appliance that hugs the teeth and gums closely. OTC guards, typically made of softer, pliable plastic, are usually thicker and bulkier because they rely on a boil-and-bite method for a rough fit. Structurally, OTC products function mainly as a soft cushion to protect the teeth from wear, lacking any specific design to influence the jaw joint or muscle activity. In contrast, the custom splint is made from rigid acrylic and features a precisely engineered occlusal surface designed to interact with the jaw mechanics, a therapeutic surface entirely absent in generic guards.
Daily Use and Maintenance
When worn, a TMJ splint covers the biting surfaces and may extend slightly over the gums, potentially causing a temporary feeling of bulkiness. The presence of the appliance may initially alter speech patterns, though this usually resolves as the mouth adjusts. The splint is removable for eating and cleaning. Daily cleaning with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a specialized cleanser is recommended to prevent plaque buildup and discoloration. Avoiding hot water is necessary, as the acrylic material can warp and ruin the precise custom fit.