A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) splint, additionally regularly known as an occlusal splint or chunk guard, is a custom-made oral equipment designed to suit over the enamel of both the higher or decrease arch. Its look varies primarily based on the precise sort, materials, and supposed perform, however usually it resembles a transparent or barely opaque retainer. The system is often fabricated from a tough acrylic resin, though softer supplies could also be integrated relying on the affected person’s wants. A well-fitting equipment will cowl all of the enamel within the arch it occupies, offering a secure and even occlusal floor.
The significance of such an equipment lies in its capability to redistribute occlusal forces, shield the enamel from grinding (bruxism), and stabilize the temporomandibular joint. By making a extra ideally suited chunk relationship, muscle pressure within the jaw and face might be decreased, assuaging ache and discomfort related to TMJ issues. Traditionally, these gadgets have advanced from easy chunk planes to stylish designs incorporating options like anterior ramps or posterior balancing, demonstrating an ongoing effort to refine their therapeutic efficacy.
