What is occlusal splint treatment

Occlusal splint treatment refers to the general term for all treatment measures taken to improve the coordination and stability, function and aesthetics between the various parts of the oral and jaw system by changing the contact state and jaw position of the occlusion. It is generally divided into reversible occlusion. There are two types of treatment and irreversible bite treatment. Reversible treatment refers to a type of method that temporarily changes the occlusal contact state, but can still restore the occlusal contact characteristics before treatment after treatment, such as the application of occlusal splints. Irreversible occlusal treatment will permanently change the contact state of the occlusal, which cannot be restored to the original state after treatment, such as occlusal adjustment, crown and bridge restoration, occlusal reconstruction, orthodontic treatment, etc.

For obvious damage to the oral and jaw system, such as temporomandibular joint disorders, the purpose of treatment is to restore the health of the damaged tissue through the coordination and stability of the occlusion. In principle, the reversible treatment phase must be passed first. After the obvious curative effect is achieved and the therapeutic jaw position is determined, permanent treatment can be carried out. The choice of permanent occlusal treatment can be based on the initial judgment of the positional relationship between the muscle contact position and the therapeutic jaw position of the posterior mandibular teeth and cheek tongue to determine the difference between occlusal adjustment, crown and bridge restoration, orthodontic or surgical treatment Make a choice.

In view of the fact that the etiology and pathological mechanism of occlusal disorders are not yet fully understood, there is still a lack of well-designed controlled experiments to formally the exact treatment of occlusal treatment, unless there are other obvious treatment indications, such as affecting the mandibular advancement and retreat and lateral movement. Elongation of the third molar, secondary occlusal disorder after missing teeth, individual back teeth, locked occlusion, closed occlusion, poor restoration, poor contact caused by individual tooth decay, trauma (occlusion), and special aesthetic requirements, etc. Except for clear occlusal treatment, preventive treatment is not recommended. At the same time, patients with temporomandibular joint disorders that require repair and orthodontics should follow the principles of prosthetics and orthodontics, and treat them within the framework of occlusal principles to maintain and consolidate the treatment effect.