FAQ: Night guards & Michigan splints

A night guard (also called a bite splint or bruxism splint) is a custom-made appliance worn mainly at night. It protects the teeth from grinding or clenching and can reduce stress on the jaw muscles and joints. More on the examination, types of splint and treatment steps under night guard & TMD.

Common causes include:

• stress or emotional tension

• sleep disturbances

• misaligned teeth or bite discrepancies

• muscle tension in the head and neck

• temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues

• certain medications or habits

The exact cause is not always identifiable, but a night guard helps protect teeth and supporting structures.

A night guard may help:

• prevent tooth wear and fractures

• reduce strain on fillings, crowns, and implants

• lessen jaw muscle tension

• ease morning jaw or head discomfort

• provide relief for overloaded teeth

• protect the TMJ from excessive stress

It does not stop bruxism itself but protects the teeth and joints from its effects.

1. Clinical examination of the teeth and jaw

2. Digital scan or impressions

3. Laboratory fabrication of the custom appliance

4. Fitting appointment with fine adjustments and instructions

Usually at night, every night.
In some cases – depending on symptoms – it may also be used part-time during the day.
Duration depends on the individual condition.

• Clean the night guard every morning with cold water and a soft brush.

• Do not use toothpaste, because it can roughen the surface.

• Use special cleaning tablets from time to time.

• Never clean the night guard with hot water, because it can lose its shape.

• Keep it dry and protected.

That depends on how much you grind your teeth. As a rule, a night guard lasts from several months to several years. If you grind heavily, it may need replacing sooner.

Statutory health insurance usually covers a basic night guard every 2 years if it is medically necessary. If you have private insurance, reimbursement depends on your plan.

Standard night guard (basic bite splint): It is usually soft, hard-soft or hard and mainly protects the teeth from grinding. It reduces the load on teeth and dental work, is simpler to make, and is usually covered by statutory health insurance if medically indicated.

Michigan splint: This is a hard upper-jaw splint, made with great precision in a dental laboratory and used as part of functional (CMD/TMJ) therapy. We adjust it to a centric jaw position and polish it so that it guides the lower jaw via the canines and front teeth. The aim is to relieve strain on the jaw joint, reduce muscle tension, and improve joint function, comfort and jaw movement.

A Michigan splint is more complex and more therapeutic than a standard night guard – but it is not always necessary.

A basic night guard is usually enough when:

• grinding is the main issue,

• tooth protection is the priority,

• there are no major jaw-joint symptoms,

• the bite is straightforward.

A Michigan splint is recommended when:

• there is clicking, noise or pain in the jaw joint,

• muscle tension or headaches occur,

• bite discrepancies or interferences are suspected,

• CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction) has been diagnosed or is suspected,

• a standard guard has not helped enough,

• a highly precise functional appliance is needed.

We decide which splint is right for you based on the clinical findings.

Typically not covered by statutory health insurance.
They are considered part of functional/TMJ therapy and are usually a private service.
Private insurance coverage varies by plan.

For patients with statutory health insurance, a standard night guard is usually reimbursed if it is medically necessary. For privately insured patients, reimbursement depends on the individual policy.

A Michigan splint costs more because of the precision work and its therapeutic purpose.