Splint and night guard are often used interchangeably, but their functions are slightly different. If you are suffering from bruxism or TMJ, it is essential to comprehend the difference between a TMJ splint and a night guard to help you alleviate your condition.
In general, the purpose of both types is to stabilize and support the joints and muscles in order to prevent malocclusion, or the improper positioning of teeth when the jaws are closed. TMJ splints offer greater vertical support than night guards and guide the lower jaw into a more natural, pleasant position.
In this article, we’ll address the major differences between TMJ splint vs. night guard.
What is the Difference Between TMJ Splint and Night Guard?
TMJ disorder can affect everyone, and if you are unclear if you need a night guard or TMJ splint, your dentist will examine you thoroughly and explain your options. A night guard and a TMJ splint are two dental devices designed to meet the diverse needs of patients with TMJ.
Both splints and night guards are used to prevent teeth grinding, yet they have different functions.
A TMJ splint is customized for each patient and helps to stabilize the jaw, whereas a night guard just protects the teeth from grinding. If you are suffering symptoms of bruxism or TMJ, you should contact your dentist to establish which sort of protection is appropriate.
Splint
A splint is also known as a dental splint, an occlusal splint, a bite splint, a bite guard, an occlusal appliance, and a dental appliance.
Each of these splints treats TMD in a distinct way. In general, splints for TMJ allow your jaw muscles to relax, distribute pressure evenly across your teeth, ease tension on your joints, and help realign your jaw. Dentists can often determine your issue by examining the splint’s wear.
Available in both permissive and nonpermissive types, occlusal or TMJ splints alleviate jaw pain caused by TMJ disorders.
Stabilization Splint
Stabilization splints, also known as permissive splints, are designed to avoid harmful contact between teeth and provide a bite surface that is compatible with the jaw joints. This alleviates pain by allowing the jaw muscles to relax.
Repositioning Splint
True to their name, repositioning splints attempt to realign the jaw to its ideal position. Your teeth will not slide across the biting plane because of the indentations on these devices.
NTI-tss (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Tension Suppression System) Device
A NTI-tss device is worn exclusively on the top front teeth to reduce clenching and grinding. This type of NTI dental appliance for TMD is notably beneficial for reducing migraines and headaches associated with facial pain. Due to the fact that it only fits on a few teeth, it places them under great stress, which might be damaging. Due to its microscopic size, there is a risk of ingestion or aspiration if it falls off during the night.
Typically, dentists advise patients to use TMJ splints for temporary comfort only. There is concern that prolonged use may affect your bite.
In contrast to nightguards, TMJ splints are typically worn on both the upper and lower jaw. They are meant only for persons with TMD.
Occlusal TMJ Splint
If you are looking for the most effective night guard for TMJ, then you need an occlusal splint.
Using an occlusal bite splint, you can reposition your lower jaw into a more natural position, allowing your jaw joint and muscles to relax. This TMJ splint releases the muscles gradually.
You will primarily wear it while sleeping. Eventually, the jaw muscles will realign themselves to reduce your pain. On occasion, though, the patient must continue to wear it nightly, even after the muscles have changed, in order to promote recovery.
This is a device built to order out of acrylic resin that has been processed. Permissive, nonpermissive, hydrostatic, and soft rubber splints exist (silicone).
According to a leaflet published by the National Institutes of Health on TMJ, “if a splint is needed, it should be worn for a brief amount of time and should not cause permanent changes in the bite (move the jaw forward/back or cover only certain teeth).” According to the National Institutes of Health brochure on TMJ, if a splint causes or exacerbates pain, you should discontinue its usage and visit the practitioner who fabricated it. You should ask the dentist if the splint he or she is constructing for you will affect the position of your bite or jaw.
Night Guard
Bruxism can be treated with a night guard, which is sometimes recommended before a TMJ splint. This is especially the case if bruxism is the underlying cause of TMD. A night guard is a particular type of splint that separates the upper and lower teeth to avoid teeth grinding. A night guard is a device worn during sleep to prevent tooth damage caused by teeth grinding.
Night guards can be purchased over-the-counter, in dental offices, and via online retailers such as Pro Teeth Guard. When you purchase a night guard from your dentist or an online retailer, you will receive a custom-made night guard that is designed to fit your teeth properly.
Night guards are often exclusively worn on the upper or lower teeth. Ninety percent of patients pick the upper night guard because it is often more comfortable; however, some patients choose the lower night guard if they have had dental work performed on their upper teeth. The three most common varieties of night guards are soft night guards, hybrid night guards, and hard night guards.
Soft Night Guard
A soft night guard is made from a rubber-like, malleable material. This type of sleep guard decreases symptoms of teeth grinding by creating a soft barrier between the teeth. Typically, it is recommended for those with mild bruxism.
Hybrid Night Guard
The interior of a hybrid night guard is made of soft rubber material, while the exterior is made of hard acrylic material. This also functions as a barrier between the teeth, but it is more pleasant on the inside and creates a strong barrier on the bite surface. People who grind moderately or heavily are advised to wear this night guard during the night.
Hard Night Guard
Acrylic is used for the inner and exterior of a hard night guard. Acrylic material is frequently recommended for the heaviest grinders due to its remarkable durability.
Consult with Garza DDS to learn more about TMJ splint vs night guard
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with bruxism or TMJ, it is important to consult with your dentist. They will be able to help you understand the difference between a TMJ splint and a night guard and determine which treatment option is best for you.