Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Practice Exam

Preventing nocturnal bruxism relies on an occlusal appliance that shields the teeth and provides a stable, repeatable occlusion during sleep. A nightguard, often called a stabilization splint, is designed to cover the biting surfaces and establish a centered, even contact pattern so the mandible rests in a consistent position when asleep. By reducing direct tooth-to-tooth contact and distributing forces across a smooth, flat occlusal plane, this appliance protects enamel from wear and can help decrease parafunctional muscle activity over time. The hard stabilization splint is a rigid variant of this approach, offering durable protection and reliable stabilization when bruxism is more intense or precise guidance in centric relation is desired. An anterior repositioning appliance moves the jaw forward to treat certain TMJ conditions, but it is not intended for nocturnal bruxism prevention and can alter joint mechanics in ways that aren’t aimed at stopping grinding overnight. The resilience splint isn’t the standard choice for preventing nocturnal bruxism, as it isn’t specifically designed to suppress grinding or stabilize the bite.