Comfort H/S Bite Splints
The Next Generation of Occlusal Therapy
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Course Objectives

This article addresses the important but often ignored area of identifying and treating occlusal conditions in an effective manner. A method of delivering bite splints that require little or no adjustment is examined. Practitioners that complete the presentation will know the following:

  • How to identify the signs of bruxism and clenching.
  • The definition, scope and causes of the conditions.
  • The rationale for conservative treatment using a bite splint.
  • The indications for bite splint treatment.
  • The techniques and materials used to deliver a bite splint.
  • The techniques used to take accurate impressions and pour models.
  • The rationale and techniques for taking a construction bite.
  • The rationale for a soft/hard bite splint.

    • Summary

    General dentists are primarily involved in treating dental caries, periodontal disease, and occlusal conditions. However, general practitioners are mostly involved in the restoration and replacement of existing restorations and typically leave the treatment of periodontal disease to periodontists and hygienists. Occlusal conditions are often ignored.

    Once the signs of bruxing and clenching are identified, conservative treatment of occlusal conditions can be rewarding for both general practitioners and patients. The scope of the problem is large: it is estimated that one-third of the population either brux or clench their teeth, resulting in tooth damage.

    Typically, a bite splint is worn at night and during times of psychological stress during the day. It is estimated that most TMD cases are muscular in nature and respond well to bite splint therapy, and subsequent occlusal equilibration.When prescribing a splint, the practitioner should specify a splint with either flat plane occlusion or anterior guidance.

    CAUTION: When viewing the techniques, procedures, theories and materials that are presented, you must make your own decisions about specific treatment for patients and exercise personal professional judgement regarding the need for further clinical testing or education and your own clinical expertise before trying to implement new procedures.

    References

    Dylina TJ. A common-sense approach to splint therapy. J Prosthet Dent 2001;86(5):539-45.
    Leib AM. The occlusal bite splint—a noninvasive therapy for occlusal habits and
    temporomandibular disorders. Compend Contin Educ Dent 1996; 17(11). 1086, 1088
    passim.
    Dylina TJ. The basics of occlusal splint therapy. Dent Today 2002;21(7):82-7.
    Gray RJ, Davies SJ. Occlusal splints and temporomandibular disorders: why, when,
    how? Dent Update 2001;28(4):194-9.
    Widmalm SE. Use and abuse of bite splints. Compend Contin Educ Dent
    1999;20(3);249-59.