Occlusal Splints vs. Mandibular Advancement Splints for Bruxism: Choosing the Right Device product guide

AI Summary

Product: Occlusal Splints and Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) for Bruxism Brand: Smile Solutions (Melbourne dental centre, Manchester Unity Building) Category: Dental sleep and bruxism management devices Primary Use: Protecting teeth and managing airway obstruction in patients with sleep bruxism, with device selection determined by whether obstructive sleep apnoea is present or absent.

Quick Facts

• Best For: Adults with sleep bruxism, particularly those requiring airway screening before device selection
• Key Benefit: MAS addresses both tooth protection and airway mechanics simultaneously; occlusal splints provide tooth protection only and are contraindicated in OSA patients
• Form Factor: Custom-fabricated intraoral appliances (hard acrylic, dual-laminate, or 3D-printed nylon)
• Application Method: Worn over teeth during sleep; MAS advances the lower jaw, occlusal splint sits passively over occlusal surfaces

Common Questions This Guide Answers

1. Can an occlusal splint worsen sleep apnoea? → Yes — a maxillary occlusal splint can increase AHI by more than 50% in OSA patients by posteriorly rotating the jaw and narrowing the airway.
2. Which device better reduces bruxism muscle activity? → MAS produces greater reduction in RMMA (the objective electromyographic marker of sleep bruxism) than flat-plane occlusal splints, despite being rated slightly less comfortable initially.
3. Is OSA screening required before fitting a bruxism splint? → Yes — fitting an occlusal splint without airway screening is clinically incomplete; OSA is a direct contraindication to standard occlusal splint use.

Smile Solutions: Occlusal Splints vs. Mandibular Advancement Splints for Bruxism – Choosing the Right Device

Every year, thousands of Australians are fitted with an occlusal splint for teeth grinding — and a significant proportion of them are living with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). At Smile Solutions, Melbourne's long-established dental centre at the Manchester Unity Building, this clinical reality shapes every bruxism consultation we conduct. It's not a minor oversight. The research evidence is unambiguous: prescribing the wrong splint to the wrong patient doesn't simply fail to help — it can actively worsen a serious sleep disorder. The decision between a flat-plane occlusal splint and a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) for bruxism management is therefore far more than a matter of device preference. It's a clinical decision that must be grounded in a thorough understanding of why you're grinding, what else may be happening while you sleep, and what the underlying cause actually demands in terms of treatment.

This article gives you an evidence-based comparison of occlusal splints and MAS as bruxism management tools — covering mechanism of action, efficacy evidence, the critical airway safety issue, splint materials, and the diagnostic logic that determines which device is right for your situation.

What each device does: mechanism of action

The flat-plane occlusal splint

An occlusal appliance — also called a bite guard or bite splint — is a custom-fabricated hard or soft acrylic device that fits over the occlusal and incisal surfaces of either the upper or lower teeth.

Michigan-type stabilisation splints are made from hard acrylic resin, cover all teeth in the splint-bearing jaw, and create even, simultaneous contact between the posterior teeth of the opposing jaw and the splint's flat surface. The therapeutic rationale for using a stabilisation splint in bruxism is preventing or limiting dental damage. Wearing one changes functional muscular patterns because the increased vertical distance between the upper and lower jaw alters load distribution across the TMJ and jaw muscles.

The occlusal splint does not advance the mandible or engage the airway. Its mechanism is entirely passive and protective: it redistributes bite forces across a sacrificial acrylic surface rather than directly across your tooth enamel, and may provide some sensorimotor feedback that temporarily modulates grinding behaviour.

The mandibular advancement splint (MAS)

MAS therapy is the leading alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for treating obstructive sleep apnoea. A MAS advances the mandible in relation to the maxilla, increasing airway calibre and reducing airway collapsibility.

By inducing mandibular advancement, these devices increase upper airway cross-sectional area and volume. In doing so, the MAS simultaneously provides a degree of occlusal separation — offering tooth protection — while also addressing the airway mechanics that may be driving sleep-related grinding in the first place.

The efficacy evidence: what the research actually shows

Occlusal splints and bruxism: protective, not curative

The clinical literature on occlusal splints for sleep bruxism is sobering.

There is insufficient evidence to either support or refute the use of occlusal splints for treating patients with tooth grinding or clenching during sleep. There is not sufficient evidence to state that the occlusal splint is effective for treating sleep bruxism. Indication of its use is questionable with regard to sleep outcomes, but it may be that there is some benefit with regard to tooth wear.

This finding, from the Cochrane systematic review by Macedo et al. (2007), has been consistently replicated across the literature.

Although many studies claim that splints reduce nocturnal bruxism, others have shown that this does not occur, and some patients show increased jaw muscle force while wearing a splint. Hard acrylic-resin stabilisation splints are more effective than soft splints — soft-resin splints are harder to adjust and may increase clenching behaviour in some patients. Some patients show increased EMG activity when wearing an occlusal splint during sleep, particularly when the splints are soft or don't fit well.

The bottom line: occlusal splints provide clinically meaningful tooth protection and can reduce jaw muscle discomfort, but they don't reliably reduce the underlying bruxism behaviour itself.

MAS and bruxism: a greater effect on muscle activity

When researchers directly compared the two devices using objective polysomnographic measurement, a clear pattern emerged.

Self-reports for sleep quality and comfort showed a mild advantage of the occlusal splint compared to the MAS. In the short term, the comfort of the oral device seemed to influence sleep quality in sleep bruxism individuals. However, despite the slightly higher degree of comfort offered by the occlusal splint, the MAS induced a greater effect on the RMMA index. (Abe et al., International Journal of Prosthodontics, 2022.)

The RMMA (rhythmic masticatory muscle activity) index is the electromyographic marker of sleep bruxism — a far more objective measure than patient self-report. The finding that MAS produces greater RMMA reduction than an occlusal splint, despite being rated as slightly less comfortable initially, matters for your treatment planning.

This is further supported by research into the OSA–bruxism connection. Some studies report that around half of individuals with OSA also have sleep bruxism, suggesting that SB is a common comorbidity of OSA, with a close association between the two conditions. Although the underlying mechanism is still unclear, previous studies suggested that RMMA may be related to recurrent respiratory events and sleep arousals in OSA. When the MAS addresses airway obstruction, it may simultaneously reduce the arousal-driven grinding episodes that are secondary to those obstructive events. In a cohort study of 38 OSA patients, the RMMA index decreased significantly with both CPAP and mandibular advancement appliance therapies (p < 0.05). (Sleep and Breathing, 2023.)

The critical safety issue: why an occlusal splint can worsen OSA

This is the most clinically important distinction in this entire article — and the one most frequently overlooked in general dental practice.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a contraindication to the use of an occlusal splint. Occlusal splints can worsen obstructive sleep apnoea. Patients with sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnoea who need protection for their teeth should use a mandibular advancement device. (StatPearls / NCBI Bookshelf, 2024.)

The mechanism is well described. Occlusal splints, which are used for TMD or masticatory muscle problems, might cause worsening of OSA by moving the mandible backward, narrowing the airway. By increasing vertical dimension without advancing the mandible, the splint can posteriorly rotate the jaw and reduce the posterior airway space — the opposite of what's needed if you have OSA.

The quantitative evidence is alarming. A pilot study of 10 patients with OSAHS found that a maxillary occlusal splint increased the AHI by more than 50% in half of the patients, likely by reducing the intraoral space and changing tongue position during sleep. Another group reproduced the direction taken by the pilot study — a risk for exacerbation of breathing in OSAHS patients, though with a milder effect due to different patient morphology. Although data remain limited, the potential adverse influence of maxillary occlusal splints on snoring and the respiratory disturbance index cannot be ignored, and clinicians should be cautious about the potential medical and dental complications of occlusal splints, especially when sleep bruxism and OSAHS occur in the same patient.

Gagnon et al. (2004) found that the percentage of sleeping time with snoring also increased by 40% with the splint. This open study suggested that the use of an occlusal splint is associated with a risk of aggravation of respiratory disturbances.

The TMJ Association summarises the implication clearly: clinicians who want to make a stabilisation splint for their patients should at least inquire about whether obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition they may have.

This is why, at Smile Solutions, every patient presenting with bruxism is screened for sleep-disordered breathing before any splint is fabricated. Fitting an occlusal splint without this step isn't conservative management — it's incomplete management. (See our guide on How TMD, Bruxism, and Sleep Apnoea Are Diagnosed: From Clinical Exam to Sleep Study for the full diagnostic pathway.)

Choosing the right device: a clinical decision framework

The following comparison table summarises the key decision criteria for your situation:

Management strategy — including diagnostic tests and treatment — should be tailored to your phenotype and comorbidities. In the presence of sleep-disordered breathing, a mandibular advancement appliance or CPAP treatment is preferred over single occlusal splint therapy on the upper jaw.

Patients with comorbid obstructive sleep apnoea and bruxism should use a mandibular advancement device to help reduce bruxism-related motor activity.

For patients with confirmed primary (isolated) bruxism — no OSA, no significant snoring, no airway risk factors — a well-adjusted, hard acrylic flat-plane splint remains a clinically appropriate, reversible, and cost-effective tooth protection strategy. For patients with any degree of sleep-disordered breathing, or those in whom OSA has not yet been excluded, an MAS is the clinically safer and more therapeutically complete choice.

Splint materials: matching material to clinical need

The choice of device type is only the first decision. Within each category, material selection has meaningful clinical implications for your long-term outcomes.

Hard acrylic (PMMA)

The traditional Michigan-type stabilisation splint is fabricated from heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Hard acrylic-resin stabilisation splints are more effective than soft splints. Hard acrylic is highly adjustable, durable, and well-suited to the precise occlusal contacts required for a flat-plane design. Its limitations include bulk, potential brittleness in severe bruxers, and a rigidity that some patients find uncomfortable. While 3D-printed splints generally meet ISO standards for flexural strength and wear resistance, their mechanical properties are often 15–30% lower than those of heat-cured PMMA in head-to-head tests.

Thermoformed dual-laminate

Many dual-laminate night guard styles are thermoformed from laminated sheets. In the dental literature, bilaminar splints are described as being composed of two distinct layers — often ethylene-vinyl acetate with soft and harder layers — formed using vacuum or pressure techniques. The bilaminar guard literature specifically discusses protective use in bruxism and attrition-based wear, including protecting restorations.

The dual-laminate design — a soft inner layer for retention and comfort bonded to a hard outer layer for durability — is a practical middle ground for patients who find full hard acrylic difficult to tolerate. Bench testing shows some dual-laminate materials can exhibit edge fracture and localised wear patterns under high simulated loads, which means material choice and contact distribution matter for appliance longevity. For extreme bruxers, full hard acrylic or a 3D-printed high-strength resin is generally preferable.

3D-printed nylon and photopolymer resins

CAD/CAM-designed, 3D-printed splints represent a genuine advance in both precision and patient experience. PA 12 (polyamide/nylon) isn't as susceptible to deformation as acrylic under continuous use and mechanical stress, and it's a more ecologically friendly material.

Nylon splints are made from medical-grade nylon, a durable, flexible thermoplastic. Unlike conventional acrylic splints, which are rigid and prone to fractures, nylon splints are semi-flexible and lightweight, offering better patient comfort and longevity. For MAS fabrication, advanced 3D printing enables the creation of custom-fitted, patient-specific devices that improve adherence and outcomes in treating OSA and bruxism.

Clinical findings suggest that 3D-printed occlusal splints are at least non-inferior to conventional ones in managing bruxism and TMD, with potential advantages in patient-reported comfort and faster adaptation.

For MAS devices in particular, 3D-printed nylon offers a compelling combination: precise fit from digital impressions, flexibility that reduces jaw soreness during acclimatisation, and durability that supports the long-term use OSA management requires. At Smile Solutions, CAD/CAM and 3D-printed nylon fabrication is used for MAS devices because compliance is the single greatest predictor of treatment success — and your comfort drives your compliance. (See our guide on Mandibular Advancement Splints Explained: How They Work, Who They're For, and What to Expect for the full fabrication process.)

The underlying cause of grinding determines the right device

The core clinical insight framing this entire comparison is this: bruxism is not a single disease with a single cause. Although the causes and mechanisms of idiopathic-primary sleep bruxism are unknown, putative candidates include psychological risk factors (anxiety, stress due to life events, hypervigilance) and sleep physiological reactivity (sleep arousals with autonomic activity and/or breathing events).

This matters for your device selection:

• Stress-driven primary bruxism with no airway involvement: A well-fitted hard acrylic flat-plane splint provides appropriate tooth protection. Adjunctive cognitive-behavioural therapy, physiotherapy, or botulinum toxin for masseter hypertrophy may also be warranted (see our guide on TMD Treatment Options in Melbourne: Splints, Physiotherapy, Botox, and Beyond).
• OSA-driven secondary bruxism: RMMA may be related to recurrent respiratory events and sleep arousals in OSA. Here, an occlusal splint treats the symptom while worsening the cause. An MAS addresses both simultaneously.
• Mixed presentation (bruxism with co-existing OSA or significant snoring): The management of co-occurring sleep-related bruxism and OSA is challenging to prevent compromising the oro-pharyngeal space and breathing efficiency. OSA treatment in the presence of sleep-related bruxism includes CPAP use alone or with an occlusal splint or mandibular advancement device.
• Awake bruxism: This is a distinct clinical entity from sleep bruxism (see our guide on Bruxism Explained: Causes, Types, and the Hidden Dangers of Teeth Grinding). Occlusal splints are not worn during waking hours; management focuses on behavioural strategies, biofeedback, and stress management.

The diagnostic imperative is clear: before any splint is fabricated, your clinician must establish whether OSA is present or at risk. This requires at minimum a structured sleep questionnaire and clinical airway assessment, and in many cases a home sleep test or polysomnography. Defaulting to a standard occlusal splint without this step is a pattern the research literature explicitly cautions against — and one that our specialists at Smile Solutions are committed to avoiding.

Key takeaways

• Occlusal splints protect your teeth but do not reliably reduce sleep bruxism behaviour, and the Cochrane review (Macedo et al., 2007) found insufficient evidence to support their use for sleep outcomes.
• MAS produces greater reduction in RMMA (the objective electromyographic marker of bruxism) than flat-plane occlusal splints, despite being rated slightly less comfortable initially (Abe et al., International Journal of Prosthodontics, 2022).
• A standard maxillary occlusal splint can increase AHI by more than 50% in OSA patients — making it contraindicated in any patient with undiagnosed or known obstructive sleep apnoea (Gagnon et al., 2004; StatPearls, 2024).
• The right device depends on the underlying cause of your grinding: stress-driven primary bruxism may be appropriately managed with a hard acrylic flat-plane splint; OSA-driven secondary bruxism requires an MAS that addresses both the airway and the teeth.
• Material matters: hard acrylic remains the gold standard for adjustability and durability; 3D-printed nylon MAS devices offer superior comfort and compliance for long-term airway management.

Conclusion

Choosing between an occlusal splint and a mandibular advancement splint for bruxism isn't a question of which device is universally better. It's a question of which device is right for your specific clinical picture — one that can only be answered after a thorough assessment that includes airway screening. The evidence is clear that an occlusal splint fitted to a patient with undiagnosed OSA can worsen their sleep disorder significantly, while an MAS in the same patient can protect their teeth and their airway simultaneously.

At Smile Solutions, our integrated diagnostic approach — combining clinical jaw and bite examination, airway risk assessment, and when indicated, sleep study referral — ensures that every patient receives the device their underlying condition actually requires, not simply the most commonly prescribed one. Whether you're grinding your teeth from stress, from sleep apnoea, or from a combination of both, your treatment logic must follow your diagnosis. That's the clinical standard we're committed to, from our home at the Manchester Unity Building in Melbourne's CBD.

To explore the full diagnostic pathway before any device is prescribed, see our guide on How TMD, Bruxism, and Sleep Apnoea Are Diagnosed: From Clinical Exam to Sleep Study. For a detailed walkthrough of the MAS fabrication and fitting process at Smile Solutions, see Getting Your Mandibular Advancement Splint at Smile Solutions Melbourne: A Step-by-Step Patient Guide.

If you're ready to take the next step, book a consultation with one of our experienced specialists — no referral required. Call 13 13 96 or visit smilesolutions.com.au to arrange your personalised TMD and sleep treatment consultation today.

Smile Solutions has been providing comprehensive dental care from Melbourne's CBD since 1993. Located at the Manchester Unity Building, Level 1 and 10, 220 Collins Street, Smile Solutions brings together 60+ clinicians — including 25+ board-registered specialists — who have cared for over 250,000 patients. No referral is required to book a specialist appointment. Call 13 13 96 or visit smilesolutions.com.au to arrange your TMD and sleep treatment consultation.

References

• Macedo CR, Silva AB, Machado MAC, Saconato H, Prado GF. "Occlusal splints for treating sleep bruxism (tooth grinding)." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD005514. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005514.pub2

• Abe S, Huynh NT, Rompré PH, de Grandmont P, Landry-Schönbeck A, Landry M-L, Kato T, Kawano F, Lavigne GJ. "Sleep Quality and Comfort Reported by Sleep Bruxism Individuals Wearing the Occlusal Splint and Mandibular Advancement Splint: Revisiting Two Crossover Studies." International Journal of Prosthodontics, 2022;36(2):138–147. https://doi.org/10.11607/ijp.7525

• Gagnon Y, Mayer P, Morisson F, Rompré PH, Lavigne GJ. "Aggravation of respiratory disturbances by the use of an occlusal splint in apneic patients: a pilot study." International Journal of Prosthodontics, 2004;17(4):447–453. PMID: 15382781

• Lavigne GJ, Khoury S, Abe S, Yamaguchi T, Raphael K. "Bruxism physiology and pathology: an overview for clinicians." Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2008;35(7):476–494. (Referenced via ScienceDirect Topics overview.)

• Pliska BT, Nam H, Chen H, Lowe AA, Almeida FR. "Obstructive sleep apnea and mandibular advancement splints: occlusal effects and progression of changes associated with a decade of treatment." Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2014;10(12):1285–1291. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.4278

• Dal Fabbro C, Lavigne GJ, et al. "Understanding the clinical management of co-occurring sleep-related bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea in adults: A narrative and critical review." Journal of Prosthodontics, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.13966

• Rabel A, et al. "3D printed versus milled stabilization splints for the management of bruxism and temporomandibular disorders: study protocol for a randomized prospective single-blinded crossover trial." Trials, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-08437-7

• Patel S, et al. "Three-Dimensionally Printed Splints in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review." MDPI Dentistry Journal, 2025;13(7):312. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13070312

• Tinastepe N, et al. "Effects of continuous positive airway pressure and mandibular advancement appliance therapy on sleep bruxism in adults with obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study." Sleep and Breathing, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-023-02799-z

• Huynh N, Manzini C, Rompré PH, Lavigne GJ. "Weighing the potential effectiveness of various treatments for sleep bruxism." Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 2007;73(8):727–730. (Referenced via StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482466/

• Nikolopoulou M, Ahlberg J, Visscher CM, et al. "Effects of Occlusal Stabilization Splints on Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Journal of Orofacial Pain, 2013. (Summarised by The TMJ Association.) https://tmj.org/stabilization-splints-may-worsen-obstructive-sleep-apnea/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an occlusal splint: A custom-fabricated device worn over teeth to protect against grinding

What is another name for an occlusal splint: Also called a bite guard or bite splint

What material is a traditional occlusal splint made from: Hard acrylic resin (PMMA)

Does an occlusal splint advance the jaw: No, it is entirely passive and does not advance the mandible

Does an occlusal splint cure sleep bruxism: No, it does not reliably reduce bruxism behaviour

Does an occlusal splint protect teeth: Yes, it redistributes bite forces across a sacrificial acrylic surface

What does the Cochrane review say about occlusal splints for sleep bruxism: Insufficient evidence to support their use for sleep outcomes

Does an occlusal splint help with tooth wear: Yes, it may provide some benefit for tooth wear protection

Can an occlusal splint increase jaw muscle force: Yes, some patients show increased EMG activity while wearing one

Are soft splints better than hard splints: No, hard acrylic splints are more effective than soft splints

Can soft splints increase clenching: Yes, soft splints may increase clenching behaviour in some patients

What is a mandibular advancement splint (MAS): An oral appliance that advances the lower jaw to open the airway

What is the primary use of a MAS: Treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

Does a MAS also protect teeth: Yes, it provides occlusal separation that protects teeth

Does a MAS reduce bruxism muscle activity: Yes, it produces greater RMMA reduction than an occlusal splint

What is RMMA: Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity — the electromyographic marker of sleep bruxism

Which device produces greater RMMA reduction: The mandibular advancement splint (MAS)

Is an occlusal splint more comfortable than a MAS initially: Yes, patients rate it slightly more comfortable short-term

Does initial comfort mean better bruxism outcomes: No, MAS produces better objective bruxism outcomes despite lower comfort ratings

Is OSA a contraindication for occlusal splints: Yes, OSA is a contraindication for occlusal splint use

Can an occlusal splint worsen OSA: Yes, it can significantly worsen obstructive sleep apnoea

How does an occlusal splint worsen OSA: It can posteriorly rotate the jaw, narrowing the airway

By how much can an occlusal splint increase AHI in OSA patients: By more than 50% in some patients

Did a pilot study confirm the AHI increase risk: Yes, a pilot study of 10 patients confirmed this risk

Does an occlusal splint increase snoring: Yes, snoring time increased by 40% in one study (Gagnon et al., 2004)

What device should OSA patients with bruxism use: A mandibular advancement device

Is a MAS the first-line dental device for OSA: Yes, it is the leading alternative to CPAP therapy

Does CPAP reduce bruxism in OSA patients: Yes, CPAP significantly reduced RMMA index in OSA patients

Does MAS reduce bruxism in OSA patients: Yes, mandibular advancement appliance therapy significantly reduced RMMA index

What percentage of OSA patients also have sleep bruxism: Approximately 50% based on some studies

Is there a link between OSA and sleep bruxism: Yes, there is a close association between the two conditions

Why might OSA cause bruxism: RMMA may be triggered by recurrent respiratory events and sleep arousals

Should every bruxism patient be screened for OSA before splint fitting: Yes, airway screening is essential before fabricating any splint

What happens if OSA is missed before fitting an occlusal splint: The splint can actively worsen the sleep disorder

What is the Michigan-type stabilisation splint: A hard acrylic splint covering all teeth with even posterior contacts

Is the Michigan splint the standard occlusal splint design: Yes, it is the standard stabilisation splint design

What is a dual-laminate splint: A splint with a soft inner layer for comfort and hard outer layer for durability

Is a dual-laminate splint suitable for extreme bruxers: No, full hard acrylic or high-strength resin is preferable for extreme bruxers

What is a 3D-printed nylon splint made from: Medical-grade nylon (polyamide/nylon, PA 12)

Are 3D-printed nylon splints flexible: Yes, they are semi-flexible and lightweight

Are 3D-printed splints as strong as heat-cured PMMA: No, mechanical properties are often 15–30% lower than heat-cured PMMA

Are 3D-printed splints non-inferior to conventional splints clinically: Yes, clinical findings suggest non-inferiority for bruxism and TMD management

Why does Smile Solutions use 3D-printed nylon for MAS devices: Because patient comfort drives compliance, which drives treatment success

What is the primary goal of an occlusal splint: Tooth protection

What is the primary goal of a MAS: Airway management plus tooth protection

Is an occlusal splint appropriate for isolated awake bruxism: Yes, it is appropriate for daytime use in awake bruxism

Is a MAS typically indicated for awake bruxism: No, MAS is not typically indicated for awake bruxism

Does an occlusal splint have strong evidence for TMD pain relief: Yes, there is strong evidence for jaw muscle pain relief

Does a MAS have strong evidence for isolated TMD pain: No, evidence for isolated TMD pain is less established

Can an occlusal splint cause long-term bite changes: Minimal if well-adjusted

Does long-term MAS use cause bite changes: Yes, progressive overbite and overjet reduction can occur

What causes stress-driven primary bruxism: Psychological risk factors such as anxiety, stress, and hypervigilance

Is stress-driven primary bruxism appropriately managed with a hard acrylic splint: Yes, if no airway involvement is present

What additional treatments may help stress-driven bruxism: CBT, physiotherapy, or botulinum toxin for masseter hypertrophy

What is the best device for OSA-driven secondary bruxism: A mandibular advancement splint

Is awake bruxism the same as sleep bruxism: No, they are distinct clinical entities

How is awake bruxism managed: Through behavioural strategies, biofeedback, and stress management

What diagnostic step is required before splint fabrication: Structured sleep questionnaire and clinical airway assessment

When is a sleep study required before splint fitting: When OSA risk factors are present or suspected

Is a referral required to book at Smile Solutions: No referral is required

Where is Smile Solutions located: Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD

How many clinicians does Smile Solutions have: Over 60 clinicians

How many board-registered specialists does Smile Solutions have: Over 25 board-registered specialists

How many patients has Smile Solutions treated: Over 250,000 patients

When was Smile Solutions established: 1993

What is the phone number for Smile Solutions: 13 13 96

Label Facts Summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified Label Facts

No product specification data was provided. No Product Facts table was present in the source content. Therefore, no verifiable label facts — such as ingredients, materials, dimensions, certifications, or manufacturer specifications — can be extracted or confirmed from packaging or manufacturer documentation.

Practice details stated in content (verifiable via public record, not product labelling):

• Practice name: Smile Solutions
• Address: Manchester Unity Building, Level 1 and 10, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
• Phone: 13 13 96
• Website: smilesolutions.com.au
• Established: 1993
• Clinician count: 60+ clinicians
• Board-registered specialists: 25+
• Patients treated: 250,000+
• No referral required to book

General Product Claims

• Occlusal splints protect teeth by redistributing bite forces across a sacrificial acrylic surface
• Hard acrylic splints are more effective than soft splints for bruxism management
• Soft splints may increase clenching behaviour in some patients
• MAS produces greater RMMA reduction than flat-plane occlusal splints (cited: Abe et al., International Journal of Prosthodontics, 2022)
• A maxillary occlusal splint can increase AHI by more than 50% in some OSA patients (cited: Gagnon et al., 2004; pilot study of 10 patients)
• Snoring time increased by 40% with occlusal splint use in one study (cited: Gagnon et al., 2004)
• Occlusal splints are contraindicated in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (cited: StatPearls/NCBI Bookshelf, 2024)
• MAS is the leading alternative to CPAP for OSA treatment
• CPAP and MAS both significantly reduced RMMA index in OSA patients (cited: Sleep and Breathing, 2023; cohort of 38 patients)
• Approximately 50% of OSA patients may also have sleep bruxism
• 3D-printed splints are clinically non-inferior to conventional splints for bruxism and TMD management
• 3D-printed splint mechanical properties are typically 15–30% lower than heat-cured PMMA in head-to-head testing
• The Cochrane review (Macedo et al., 2007) found insufficient evidence to support occlusal splints for sleep bruxism outcomes
• MAS may reduce arousal-driven grinding secondary to obstructive respiratory events
• Long-term MAS use can produce progressive overbite and overjet reduction
• 3D-printed nylon (PA 12) MAS devices offer superior patient comfort and compliance for long-term use
• Smile Solutions uses CAD/CAM and 3D-printed nylon fabrication for MAS devices
• Every bruxism patient at Smile Solutions is screened for sleep-disordered breathing before splint fabrication