The Principles of Occlusal Splint Screening
Received: 25-Jul-2022 / Manuscript No. JOHH-22-72330 / Editor assigned: 27-Jul-2022 / PreQC No. JOHH-22-72330(PQ) / Reviewed: 10-Aug-2022 / QC No. JOHH-22-72330 / Revised: 15-Aug-2022 / Manuscript No. JOHH-22-72330(R) / Accepted Date: 30-Jul-2022 / Published Date: 22-Aug-2022 DOI: 10.4172/2332-0702.1000331
Abstract
This article’s objective is to acquaint “physicians of the masticatory system” with the fundamentals of occlusal splint therapy for the treatment of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), bruxism, and some types of headache.
Keywords: Temporomandibular disorder; Bruxism; Splint therapy; Masticatory system
Keywords
Temporomandibular disorder; Bruxism; Splint therapy; Masticatory system
Introduction
Both the dentist and the patient frequently find it difficult to treat occlusal-related diseases. Because the presenting symptoms might vary, it can be challenging to diagnose certain illnesses. The art and science of dentistry can be seen in the construction and use of occlusal splints [1]. Once the underlying cause of occlusal-related illnesses has been determined, this reversible, non-invasive therapy offers both diagnostic data and alleviation without the drawbacks that frequently come with other treatment modalities, such as surgery and prolonged medication therapy.
Occlusal splint screening
The condyle and teeth are free to move with the aid of a stabilising appliance, but the anterior teeth serve as its guides.
“The art and science of generating neuromuscular harmony in the masticatory system by producing a mechanical disadvantage for Para functional forces with detachable appliances” is one definition of occlusal splint therapy [2]. A correctly made splint makes a mutually safe occlusion possible [3].
Types of splints available
Currently, soft rubber (silicone) splints, hydrostatic splints, permissive splints, and non-permissive splints are all used in occlusal splint therapy. The teeth are able to move freely along the biting or contact surface thanks to the permissive splints [4]. These include stabilising splints and bite planes (such as the anterior deprogrammer, Lucia jig, and anterior jig) (Tanner, centric relation, flat plane, and superior repositioning).
A non-permissive anterior repositioning appliance locks the jaw and teeth in a forward position. The ramps or indentations on the nonpermissive splints restrict the mandible’s range of motion. Examples include a Mandibular Orthotic Repositioning Appliance and an Anterior Repositioning Appliance (ARA) (MORA).
The teeth are separated by the hydrostatic and soft rubber splints (Aqualizer, Jumar Corp). However, soft rubber splints don’t offer the qualities required for effective splint therapy. These splints can make bruxism worse probably because of early posterior contacts brought on by the fact that they are unbalanced [5].
Function of splints
Splints offer diagnostic information, permit the relaxation of muscles in spasm, safeguard the teeth and jaws from the negative consequences of bruxism, and normalise the proprioception of the periodontal ligament. The condyles and jaws may be moved into a more central relationship using these devices (CR) [2].
Discussion
The provision of diagnostic data
Different occlusal splints offer diagnostic information. Patients who wear splints can provide information about vertical dimension, the envelope of function, probable neutral zone impingements, Para functional habits, and anterior guidance requirements to the restorative dentist. In a study of individuals with nocturnal bruxism, isometric clenching was seen in 13% of cases, bilateral clenching in 71%, unilateral excursion in 13%, and protrusive movement in 3% of cases) [6]. This information allows the treating clinician to forecast that a significant portion of patients in need of restorative care may have lateral Para functional stresses that could harm both natural and artificial teeth. If this knowledge is accessible before treatment, cusp forms, diameters, angulations, and depths can be examined and properly planned.
Additionally, Temporomandibular (TM) fame will be obtained, and the viability of an operational prognosis will be determined. A person with a muscular TM joint is an example who receives treatment but does not get total muscle rest. This may suggest a more severe form of superior joint disease than was previously thought. Prior to receiving substantial restorative therapy, this author believes that splint wear is required.
Relaxation of muscles
The removal of posterior excursive contacts through anterior steering has been shown in the literature to significantly reduce the hyperactivity of the elevator muscles [7, 8]. The literature also demonstrates that posterior teeth interferences during excursive mandibular actions cause hyperactivity of the last muscles [9, 10].
Many TMD sufferers experience headaches [11, 12]. It is well known that using splints to treat head and neck pain and muscle hyperactivity is useful [13]. The FDA has recently approved the use of a novel anterior deprogrammer known as the nociceptive trigeminal inhibition (NTI) device for the treatment of migraine headaches that are clinically characterised as having a migraine-like symptom [14]. Occlusal splints promote muscle relaxation by providing a platform for the enamel that enables consistent tooth contact distribution, immediate posterior teeth disclusion during all movements (with anterior steerage), and reduced joint pressure. The next section’s neuromuscular harmony offers the best comfort and feature.
Bruxism Protection for Teeth and Jaws
The grinding or clenching of enamel at times other than when chewing food has been referred to as bruxism some authors have advised that it is merely a nocturnal pastime [15]. A CR-balanced splint can provide protection from the unavoidably negative effects of this Para functional activity.
According to studies assessing the prevalence of bruxism, it can range anywhere between 6.5% and 88% [16]. The forces produced during bruxism may be up to six times greater than those produced at their maximum during routine chewing [17]. Patient’s brux must be identified and treated as necessary because the average pressure produced by normal chewing is 162 kilogrammes per rectangular inch [18]. Identification involves examining the enamel, supporting tissues, masticatory muscle groups, and TM joints. Prior to and during any restorative intervention, indicators or signs and symptoms of bruxism must be controlled with a nocturnal CR-balanced splint.
Remember that splints no longer prevent bruxism; instead, they disperse pressure throughout the masticatory system. These household tools used to be able to reduce the depth of the bruxing episodes, but not any longer [6]. Every other pathogenic mechanism was advised by a fascinating examination. Cellular hypoxia may occur when capillary perfusion pressure is above 25 mm Hg. Dental college students’ advanced joints were punctured with needles when they were clenching extremely hard, both with and without flat aircraft equipment nearby [19]. When clenching without the splint, pressures greater than 200 mm Hg have been found; however, pressures less than 25 mm Hg when clenching with the splint. If you want to negatively impair normal function and wound healing, vascular compression in the afflicted area causes a reduction in blood flow.
Restoring normal periodontal ligament proprioception
Through the periodontal ligament, a tooth is joined to its osseous (alveolar) home. These proprioceptive fibre sensors, which detect pressure, are housed inside this collagenous structure. The nerve fibres that carry messages from the ligament to the central nervous system activate muscular patterns that protect the enamel from overload. An animal model to demonstrate that stimulation of strain receptors inside the periodontal ligament resulted in a jaw-starting reaction [20]. Muscular changes occur when teeth are in contact, and periodontal afferent input (sensory nerve feedback) is likely to be responsible for this rapid adaptation [21]. By using a larger surface area that covers all of the enamel inside the arch, an occlusal splint works to burn up the forces on individual teeth. A splint needs to be regularly modified once it has been made in order to maintain the same contact, stabilise the load, and allow for muscle symmetry.
Condylar Seating Permitting in CR
Regardless of dental function or vertical size, CR is defined as “the attachment of the mandible to the maxilla while the perfectly aligned condyle/disc assemblies are with inside the maximum advanced function towards the emminentia” [1].
The disc and condyle meet with proper alignment. The function of the constituent elements during loading is a prerequisite for physiologic feature. The lateral pterygoid achieves full extension, maintaining the physiologic function of the articular disc and its attachments.
The relationships between the discs, bones, ligaments, and muscle groups can be determined using CR. The minimum positioning muscle hyperactivity, which requires tonic muscle hobby instead of any type of muscle hyperactivity, permits the condyle/disc meeting to sit in CR while the advanced stomach of the lateral pterygoid muscle achieves its full extension. The TM joints carry weight, typically during Para functional sports and hard biting or mastication [22]. The lateral pterygoid and the disc that is physiologically positioned there allow the elevator muscle groups, particularly the temporalis and masseter, to exert their maximum pressure during loading. The disc is dragged anteriorly and medially toward the beginning of the muscle when occlusal stimuli lead the lateral pterygoid to become hyperactive. The disc, condylar head, ligaments, and muscle are vulnerable to injury in this scenario due to excessive stress. Chronic and acute overloading of the condyle/disc meeting while it is no longer functioning normally has a significant positive impact on TMD.
The articular disc can gain its antero-advanced function above the condylar head thanks to an occlusion caused by comfortably positioned elevator muscle groups in a well-balanced splint. Because of the physiologic remedial function, splint treatment can use CR. In situations when joint irritation causes pain, this is contraindicated. As long as the discomfort persists, the condyles should operate as an anterior-inferior joint until CR is possible. Repositioning into CR is made easier by the literature. Splints intended to provide a lateral deviation from the centric arc of closure led to changes in the bone density of monkeys’ condyles [23]. The condyle changes were no longer enjoyable to the monkeys living in CR. Within the condylar heads, pressure may be associated to arthritis and cartilage degeneration [24].
Time and type of splint used
Depending on the prognosis, a particular type of splint is used. All patients, but especially those with facial pain, TMD, or bruxism, require a careful medical/dental history along with a thorough examination.
The use of a full-insurance splint at night, which covers the entire arch of enamel with acrylic, is typically sufficient to protect the enamel if the patient reports bruxism and problems but no TMD. Resting your muscles is a newly introduced benefit that frequently reduces or eliminates anxiety-related issues. The type of bruxism habit dictates the selection of the arch for which the splint is made. An all-enamel maxillary guard with full insurance is appropriate if the patient clenches isometrically. The maxillary anterior enamel could no longer be protected by a mandibular splint when isometric clenching occurred, and because there is no movement, the pressure could no longer be effectively distributed by the use of this kind of splint. A mandibular enamel splint may be effective if the patient exhibits Para functional motion in the lateral and protrusive directions. A mandibular splint that doesn’t completely contact the front enamel is appropriate with Para functional motion laterally (it need to contact the cupids for steerage, however to increase it to the touch the incisor enamel could be uncomfortable and unsightly). Due to the dynamic nature of mobility, pressure is not transferred to the posterior enamel only. A maxillary splint is preferred when there is doubt about the amount of mandibular motion during the night.
The literature has addressed the occlusal thickness of the splint. Splints that increased vertical size by 4.4 mm and 8.2 mm were more effective at producing muscle rest in patients with bruxism and myofascial pain condition patients than 1-mm splints [14]. In order to reduce clenching effectiveness, Piper31 advised a 12- to 15-mm gap (incise aspect to incise aspect). According to these studies, a vertical size increase of at least four millimetres is necessary to protect bruxism sufferers. The best splint thickness should be determined if the patient is wearing a splint that is four millimetres thick and still complains of headache, facial muscle tightness, or muscle soreness as soon as they wake up. In this case, the splint thickness needs to be increased incrementally until the symptoms go away.
The choice of a splint for TMD patients depends on the condition’s prognosis. The Piper Classification is useful for the specific prediction of TMD [11]. The use of medications and other types of treatment methods is outside the purview of this article. When a muscular ailment is detected, bite aircraft treatment may be employed. Hyper occlusion causes muscle problems because it separates the enamel, allowing the muscles to relax as a result. As these appliances cover the maxillary anterior enamel and could cause posterior enamel intrusion or supraeruption from lack of contact, they should no longer be worn for more than 24 to 48 hours continuously. Full-insurance stabilisation splints or flat aeroplane stability splints are also suitable and frequently the therapy of choice for unreliable patients. They cover the entire dental arch. In general, the use of an appropriate splint therapy is effective in treating muscular disorders (chunk planes and stabilisation home equipment).
Joints that click or snap can be used to diagnose combined muscle and disc issues if muscle signs and symptoms are also present. Until there was an acute exacerbation, these issues tended to be more persistent in nature and were associated with more harm. The preferred treatment is stabilisation splinting since it provides the long-term support that is frequently required. Additionally, they completely cover the tooth arch, ensuring that the safe enamel does not slide. For as long as necessary they must be worn continuously for 24 hours at a time in order to eliminate muscles, disc, ligament, teeth indication and symptoms. Typically, three to six months of damage are needed. If identified and addressed properly, these issues can be reversed.
Patients who experience jaw locking and/or sounds, uncomfortable joints, and occasionally increased pain with splint wear are diagnosed with advanced disc and muscle issues. For seven to ten days, patients with acute trauma may also need an anterior repositioning device to keep the condyle separate from the retrodiscal tissues so that the irritation can lessen. These patients frequently have a long history of locking, instability, and joint pain. Stabilization the preferred treatment is splinting, which must be balanced to meet the patient’s specific needs (i.e., many sufferers require shallow cuspid steerage in lateral or protrusive actions to cast off joint clicking). Depending on the patient, splints may also need to be worn for a period of time between six months and two years. Although these issues are frequently no longer curable, patients can nevertheless have improved signs and symptoms with treatment.
Change of splints
In a study 6, 61% of patients had occlusal induced changes (indentations) that were found every two weeks. The final 39% also confirmed changes that occurred at particular times, including indentations inside the acrylic that indicated a few grinding motions or static indentations. This means that earlier than two weeks after delivery, more than half of splint patients need post-delivery visits. A suggested regimen can include adjustments every 24 hours, three days, seven days, fourteen days, twenty-one days, and one month. The durations between modifications may be prolonged and the patient told to call for an appointment if signs and symptoms worsen when no motion at the splint is observed during adjustment appointments and signs and symptoms are improving. To ensure uniform contacts on all enamel and immediate disclusion of the posterior enamel in all movements, the splint must be continuously examined and adjusted. The position of the enamel at the splint will shift once muscle relaxation is completed and/or discomfort decreases. While the CR function is readjusted, neuromuscular harmony frequently returns. The patient will comprehend long-lasting relief from symptoms if interferences at the splint are consistently eliminated through rebalancing into CR.
Conclusion
Understanding the use of splint therapy for patients with occlusalrelated issues may be one way to treat the affected people. A correct diagnosis and the creation of the optimum instrument can frequently result in the relief of symptoms and indicators.
References
- (2005) .J Prosthet Dent94: 10–92.
- Armijo‐Olivo S, Rappoport K, Fuentes J, Gadotti IC, Major PW, et al. (2011).J Orofac Pain 25: 199–209.
- Alexander SR, Moore RN, DuBois LM (1993) .Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop104: 230–239.
- Lobbezoo F, van der Zaag J, Naeije M (2006) .J Oral Rehabil33: 293–300.
- Cuccia A, Caradonna C (2009).Clinics64: 61–66.
- Crawford SD (1999) .Angle Orthod69: 103–115.
- Johansson A, Omar R, Carlsson GE (2011) .J Prosthodont Res55: 127–136.
- Hilgenberg PB, Saldanha AD, Cunha CO, Rubo JH, Conti PC (2012).J Oral Rehabil 39: 239–244.
- Magdaleno F, Ginestal E (2010) .CRANIO28: 128–135.
- Forssell H, Kalso E, Koskela P, Vehmanen R, Puukka P, et al. (1999) .Pain 83: 549–560.
- Mason M , Spolaor F , Guiotto A , De Stefani A , Gracco A , et al. (2018).Int Orthod16: 158–173.
- Kassem HE, Marzouk ES (2018) .Prog Orthod19: 1–7.
- Fujii T, Torisu T, Nakamura S (2005) .Cranio23: 113–118.
- Monaco A, Streni O, Marci MC, Sabetti L, Marzo G, et al. (2004)J Cli Pediatr Dent28: 135–138.
- Closs L, Pangrazio Kulbersh V (1996) Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop109: 341–347.
- Cohen-Levy J, Cohen N (2011) Int Orthod9: 410–431.
- Nota A, Tecco S , Ehsani S , Padulo J, Baldini A (2017).J Electromyogr Kinesiol 37: 21–24.
- Melsen B, Agerbaek N, Eriksen J, Terp S (1988) .Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop94: 104–116.
- Carey JP, Craig M, Kerstein RB, Radke J (2007) .Open Dent J1: 1–7.
- Perillo L, Femminella B, Farronato D, Baccetti T, Contardo L, et al. (2011)J Oral Rehabil38: 242–252.
- Bayani S, Heravi F, Radvar M, Anbiaee N, Madani AS (2015) .Dent Res J12: 379–385.
- Throckmorton GS, Rasmussen J, Caloss R (2009) .J Oral Rehabil36: 636–643.
- Shetty S, Pitti V, Badu CLS, Kumar GPS, Deepthi BC (2010).J Indian Prosthodont Soc 10: 141–148.
- Kuroda S, Sakai Y, Tamamura N, Deguchi T, Takano-Yamamoto T (2007) .Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop132: 599–605.
, Crossref,
,
, ,
, Crossref,
, Crossref,
, Crossref,
, Crossref,
, Crossref,
, ,
, Crossref,
, Crossref,
, ,
, Crossref,
, Crossref,
, ,
, Crossref,
, Crossref,
, ,
, Crossref,
, Crossref,
, ,
, Crossref,
, Crossref,
, ,
Citation: Jones R (2022) The Principles of Occlusal Splint Screening. J Oral Hyg Health 10: 331. DOI: 10.4172/2332-0702.1000331
Copyright: © 2022 Jones R. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Share This Article
Recommended Journals
黑料网 Journals
Article Tools
Article Usage
- Total views: 1434
- [From(publication date): 0-2022 - Mar 10, 2025]
- Breakdown by view type
- HTML page views: 1211
- PDF downloads: 223