FDA-Cleared · Minimally Invasive

Your jaw is under too much load. A custom splint can take the pressure off.

For many patients with TMJ disorder, a properly fitted splint — a custom oral appliance worn over the teeth — is the single most effective conservative treatment. It quiets clenching, protects the joint, and gives inflamed muscles the chance to heal. At Exhale Sinus, TMJ, Headache and Sleep, splints are part of a whole-head plan, not a stand-alone quick fix.

Book a TMJ evaluation

Take A quiz

What is a TMJ splint?

A TMJ splint — also called an oral appliance, occlusal splint, or bite guard — is a custom-fitted device worn over the upper or lower teeth. Its job is not to "fix" the bite. Its job is to unload the joint and quiet the chewing muscles so the surrounding tissue can heal.

Think of it as a cast for a joint that never gets to rest. Every time you talk, chew, or swallow — 1,000+ times a day — your jaw joint takes load. A splint redistributes and reduces that load, especially at night, when clenching and grinding do the most damage.

Are all TMJ splints the same?

No. They fall into a few distinct categories, and matching the right splint to the right patient is a big partof doing this well.
‍

Stabilization splint (flat plane splint) — The workhorse of TMJ therapy. A flat, hard acrylic appliance that covers all teeth on one arch. It stabilizes the bite, reduces muscle activity, and prevents grinding damage. The best-evidence starting point for most adult TMJ patients.

Anterior repositioning splint — Positions the lower jaw slightly forward to move the joint into a healthier configuration. Used for specific joint problems (disc displacement with reduction), typically under closer supervision.

Anterior deprogrammer / NTI-type appliance — A small appliance that covers only the front teeth. Sometimes useful for short-term muscle relaxation, but not appropriate for long-term wear in most 1 patients.

Soft splints (boil-and-bite) — The drugstore versions. Fine for very mild bruxism protection. Not appropriate for actual TMJ disorder — they can actually increase muscle activity in some patients.

We recommend the right splint for your presentation — not a one-size-fits-all appliance.

How does splint fitting work?

The process is straight forward:

Evaluation

Full TMJ workup — history, muscle and joint exam, screening for sleep and airway issues, imaging when indicated. Mild congestion and pressure are normal. Most patients return home within an hour and can resume light activities the same day.
‍

Fabrication

The splint is made in a dental lab from your impressions or scan. Gradual improvement in breathing. Saline rinses help keep passages clear. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
‍

Fitting

You return to have the splint fitted and adjusted for comfort and coverage. Full recovery. Most patients report significantly improved breathing, reduced infections, and better sleep quality.
‍

Follow-up

Splints require periodic adjustment as the muscles relax and the bite settles. We typically follow up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, then as needed. You return to have the splint fitted and adjusted for comfort and coverage. Full recovery. Most patients report significantly improved breathing, reduced infections, and better sleep quality.
‍

Most patients wear their splint every night. Some also wear it during high-load daytime periods (long meetings, focused computer work).

Who is a good candidate for splint therapy?

Splint therapy is typically the right next step when:

Conservative measures (rest, ice/heat, jaw exercises, stress work) haven't been enough

You clench or grind at night — with or without partner reports or morning jaw soreness

Your bite feels uneven or shifted

Headaches and jaw pain wake you up or peak in the morning

You have visible tooth wear

You're not yet ready or a candidate for injections or surgery

Splint therapy is not usually first-line for patients whose TMJ is driven primarily by acute trauma, active joint disease requiring imaging, or airway-related nighttime bruxism (where treating sleep apnea comes first).

What can I expect at my first Exhale visit?

Plan on 45 to 60 minutes. We'll evaluate whether splint therapy is right for you, discuss the type and timeline, and — if it's the right next step — start the process. If splint therapy isn't the right fit, we'll tell you and explain what is.

Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ)

Measure what migraines are taking from you.

The MSQ measures how much migraines interfere with your life rather than simply how often they occur. Seven questions cover time lost with family and friends, missed responsibilities at work or home, reduced output, low energy, needing help from others, and plans you've cancelled. Each scores 0 to 4, giving a total from 0 to 28 — higher means greater impact. Because frequency alone understates disability, this score helps your physician judge whether preventive treatment is warranted.

✓

Evidence-Based

✓

1 Min Assessment

✓

Confidential

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a night guard and a TMJ splint?

A drugstore night guard is ageneric mouthpiece that protects teeth from grinding but doesn't unload the joint. A TMJ splint is custom-fabricated to your bite and designed specifically to reduce muscle activity and joint load. For realTMJ disorder, the difference matters.

How long do I have to wear it?

Most patients wear a splint nightly for the long term as part of ongoing joint protection. Some patients wean off during quieter symptom periods.

Does insurance cover TMJ splints?

Coverage varies. Splints are often billed to dental insurance, sometimes to medical. Our team verifies benefits before you commit.

Can a splint move my teeth or change my bite?

A well-designed and properly fitted stabilization splint should not move your teeth. Anterior-only appliances worn long-term can shift the bite, which is why we're selective about who wears which type and for how long.

What if I have sleep apnea too?

Sleep apnea and TMJ often coexist, and treating the airway usually has to come first. Some appliances treat both — mandibular advancement devices are one example — but they require careful selection. We screen for sleep apnea before fitting a TMJ splint.

Can children wear TMJ splints?

Rarely and only with specialized guidance. Pediatric TMJ presentations warrant a different evaluation.