EFFICACY OF OCCLUSAL SPLINTS IN CONTROLLING BRUXISM

Abstract

Bruxism is a multifactorial disorder characterized by the involuntary act of clenching or grinding the teeth, which can occur both during sleep and wakefulness. This condition has a high prevalence and is associated with several orofacial impairments, such as tooth wear, muscle pain, headaches, and temporomandibular disorders, significantly affecting patient’s quality of life. Consequently, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment remain constant challenges in dentistry. Occlusal splints represent the most widely used therapeutic approach, aiming to protect dental structures, reduce muscle hyperactivity, and prevent complications related to parafunctional habits. However, their actual effectiveness remains controversial, as the literature diverges on whether these devices can influence the pathophysiology of the disorder or act merely as palliative measures. This narrative literature review, based on studies published between 2008 and 2024 in databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar, identified that occlusal splints provide significant clinical benefits, such as pain reduction and preservation of dental structures, but do not eliminate the etiological factors of bruxism. Furthermore, rigid splints demonstrated greater stability and durability, while soft splints offered higher initial comfort. It is concluded that occlusal splints play an important role in symptom control and dental protection; however, long-term effectiveness requires a multidisciplinary approach encompassing dental, psychological, and behavioral aspects.