What is the Difference Between TMJ Splint and Night Guard?
The terms night guard and TMJ splint are frequently used synonymously. However, they serve different functions to treat various TMD symptoms. A night or mouth guard is a specific kind of splint, and not all splints are night guards, which is the main distinction between a TMJ dental splint and one. The following are the differences between a tmj splint vs mouth guard:
What is a TMJ splint?
To treat TMD, there are many different kinds of splints that are each specifically made to relieve jaw pain. These splints treat TMD in their own individual, distinctive ways. In general, splints for TMJ allow the patient’s jaw muscles to relax, relieve joint tension, distribute pressure evenly across the patient’s teeth, and help realign the jaw. Jaw pain brought on by TMJ disorders can be alleviated with the use of a TMJ splint , which comes in both permissive and nonpermissive varieties. A nonpermissive type splint restricts movement over the biting surface with ramps or indentations, in contrast to a permissive type splint that allows teeth to move freely over the biting surface.
What is a night guard?
A night guard , also referred to as an occlusal guard or mouth guard, is a great option for patients with bruxism. Chronic tooth clenching or grinding is a symptom of the condition known as bruxism. This may eventually result in myofascial pain, fractures, and other painful conditions, as well as wear and tear on the teeth. While wearing these guards will help prevent further damage to the patient’s teeth, it won’t completely eliminate all symptoms. Although mouth guards and TMJ splints are intended to protect the patient’s teeth from bruxism and allow for movement of the lower jaw, they do not always offer the best forward and vertical support for people with jaw issues.
Which one could be the perfect choice for your patient?
The purpose of mouth guards, which are made of durable materials, is to safeguard the patient’s teeth while they sleep. These guards are perfect for bruxism sufferers. Even though these guards can be very helpful for those who clench their teeth, the patient may also have to think about getting a personalized guard for daily use. By positioning the jaw, a dental occlusal splint for TMJ relieves pressure on the jaw and reduces pain. These splints need to be customized in order to hold the patient’s jaw in a comfortable position. There can also be a few dental splint side effects. So, if the patient needs a bruxism occlusal guard, they can choose between a generic model and a specially made one. The main benefit of having one made specifically for the wearer is that it will be more comfortable to wear while they sleep, which lowers the possibility of splitting it out. However, if the patient needs a splint for a TMJ disorder rather than teeth clenching, they cannot order a generic model. Generic models are less expensive compared to what a dental splint costs, but they also have a lower likelihood of being helpful.
