---
title: "Occlusal splint for TMJ and bruxism | Office Dent Ploiești"
description: "An occlusal (stabilisation) splint for jaw pain and bruxism: when it is indicated, how it is made and how to wear it. Office Dent Ploiești."
url: "https://www.officedent.ro/en/treatments/orofacial-pain-tmj/occlusal-splint"
language: en
image: "https://www.officedent.ro/api/media/file/gutiera-ocluzala-1200x630.jpg"
---

# Occlusal splint for jaw pain and bruxism

A custom-made splint, usually worn at night: when it helps, and what it can and can’t do.

![Gutieră realizată pe măsură](https://www.officedent.ro/api/media/file/gutiera-ocluzala.jpg)

An occlusal splint (also called a stabilisation splint or night guard) is a custom-made device in hard material that covers the teeth of one arch. It is usually worn at night.

It is one of the most widely used treatments for [temporomandibular disorders](https://www.officedent.ro/en/treatments/orofacial-pain-tmj/temporomandibular-disorders) and [bruxism](https://www.officedent.ro/en/treatments/orofacial-pain-tmj/bruxism). It isn’t a universal answer: we recommend it after a diagnosis, as part of a plan, not as a first reflex for any jaw pain.

## When it helps

-   it protects the teeth and dental work from the forces of grinding and clenching in sleep
-   it can reduce muscle pain and tired jaws in the morning
-   it can reduce the load on the joint in some joint problems

## What it doesn’t do

-   it doesn’t stop bruxism: the muscles keep working, but the teeth are protected
-   it doesn’t “move” the jaw or change the bite: a stabilisation splint is reversible; we don’t use it to permanently change the jaw position
-   it doesn’t treat pain that doesn’t come from the muscles or the joint (for example [trigeminal neuralgia](https://www.officedent.ro/en/treatments/orofacial-pain-tmj/trigeminal-neuralgia))

## How it is made

1.  The diagnosis, at the [orofacial pain consultation](https://www.officedent.ro/en/treatments/orofacial-pain-tmj/orofacial-pain-consultation).
2.  An impression or digital scan of the teeth and a record of how the jaws meet.
3.  The splint is made in the laboratory, to measure.
4.  Fitting and adjustment: the splint must be stable, comfortable and touch evenly.
5.  Check-ups after a few weeks, then periodically, to review and adjust it.

## Looking after it

-   clean it in the morning with a toothbrush and cold or lukewarm (not hot) water and keep it dry in its case
-   bring it to every check-up
-   tell us about new pain, a feeling that your bite has changed, or a crack in the splint

For other kinds of splints (retention, whitening, sports guards), see [Dental mouthguard](https://www.officedent.ro/en/treatments/prosthetic-dental-works/dental-mouthguard).

## Frequently asked questions

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