Michigan Splints are OVERRATED! PDP EP-040

Jaz: Small error made in video where I show a Facebow being used at 10 mins mark but I am talking about Leaf gauges - sorry!
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Michigan Splints AKA Stabilization Splints are the 'gold standard' occlusal splint according to many occlusal camps.
It is actually a great all-rounder splint - but there are some key reasons why Michigan appliances (or Tanner for the lower) is massively overrated!
Listen to this episode as I cover:
- What is a Michigan splint?
- How does this splint work?
- What records do you need for a Michigan splint?
- Do you need a Facebow?
- What are the limitations of Michigan occlusal splints?
- Why might other splints be better for many scenarios?
- Why you should be careful prescribing Michigan splints to primary clenchers
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[@tomstickland]

I found that very interesting. I'm not a clencher or a grinder but I have muscular pain and spasms and I'm going to see a specialist next week. This is helping inform me in preparation.

[@DuncanMaguire]

I'm due to have a MS fitted next month by the (gulp) NHS. After watching this I think I'll cancel the appointment, what a waste of time. 🤔

[@protrusive]

totally don't think it's a waste of time - it's a very useful splint and much superior and well considered than what is usually done on the NHS. It would be a great dis-service to you if you cancelled this opportunity. The purpose of this episode was to raise awareness of alternatives to Dentists- but it's still a very good splint choice. Without fully assessing you I'm not sure if it would be my first choice for you, but it is first choice for about 30-40% of my patients due to their needs.

[@carlylouisei4439]

Hello, I have been recommended a tanner/ Michigan splint. But then also I have done research to find they do a splint that sits on the front 4 teeth. I am in agonising pain on a weekly basis with my jaw/ muscle pain. I have tried Botox.. nothing! Which splint would you recommend? The one on the front for teeth for clenching/ grinding or the tanner/ Michigan? Thank you😊

[@protrusive]

Thanks for your question Carly - I wish I could advise based on the given information but I usually spend an hour with a patient to decide what is the ideal solution - so many anatomical factors involved. My advice is trust your Dentist to use their best judgement for your care.

[@Fatdogchannel]

I have a question regarding to deprogramming. After deprogramming, do restore full mouth, do we still need to offer px splint?

[@protrusive]

short and concise answer: if they are a bruxist and/or high force patient then yes. CR is not a vaccine for bruxism

[@viktorijamitkiene9287]

Thanks. What is best for primary clenchers?

[@protrusive]

many different schools of thought - if all the other factors are favourable then I will consider an AMPSA to suppress muscle activity/contraction (assuming you are a Dentist) Regards

[@gezimgremi2147]

Thank you for all the good information doc.

[@amw4011]

How do you fabricate a splint in CR if its the first point of contact? Wont there be no clearance for material?

[@protrusive]

Sorry for the delay, playing catch up! Ok, so CR is totally independent of tooth contact. What you are referring to is the 'centric relation contact position', formerly known as RCP The secret is to take your bite record in CR with 2mm clearance at the back - ie. the condyles are seated AND there is clearance.

[@ashrafaboughoufa5292]

Very helpful

[@user-jg4px5fr6k]

I tried to apply michigan splint. Most of labs dont fabricate michigan splint

[@protrusive]

where are you based? its still the classic appliance so that surprises me