PhysicalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-6258


Over-the-Counter Night Splints not the Best Option for TMD Clients

Dennis Langton, PT, CCTT

January 15, 2014

Share:

Question

What do you think of over-the-counter night splints that are available and allow clients to make them on their own?  Is this a good idea for someone who cannot afford one made by a dentist?

Answer

Basically, no.  The problem with the over-the-counter splints is that they are soft splints.  In the process of making them, it requires a client to heat the appliance in boiling water or the microwave.  Then, the client is to bite down on the appliance for a few minutes.  That becomes the model.  The problem is that in biting down, the pressure may be uneven and can place the client in a partially mal-occluded position.  However, the biggest concern is for those who wear them as night guards.  Many people wear night guards because they clench and grind.  The soft splints are really not recommended for those people who grind because it torques the teeth and can impair the ligaments. 

I do not think too much of them for my clients.  They are great for playing sports.  They can also be something a client could wear when awake.  The problem comes when someone wears them when they are sleep.  It is really best to get an acrylic one, because you want the full arch contact and the hard acrylic surface for a night splint.   

 


dennis langton

Dennis Langton, PT, CCTT

Dennis Langton PT, CCTT is a 1973 graduate of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City Utah.  Dennis began work in both treating and research in Craniomandibular disorders in 1982. He has over 500 hours of advanced training in CMD, has presented over 30 clinical and research papers and taught over 75 post-graduate professional courses in Craniomandibular Disorders both nationally and internationally.  He has participated in more than 175 fresh cadavor dissections of the head, neck and cervical spine and is co-author of a functional anatomy text on the head, neck and temporomandibular joint and contributing author on two textbooks on evaluation and treatment of CMD.


Related Courses

Clinical Use of the Reformer for the Lower Body
Presented by Rhondi Miller, PT, MS, SCS, ATC
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rhondi Miller, PT, MS, SCS, ATC
Course: #3329Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'clarity of examples and demonstrations of both correct and incorrect presentations'   Read Reviews
The reformer is an effective tool for rehabilitating the lower body. This course will provide exercises appropriate for progressing lower extremity rehab from ankle injury, to post-op knees, to hip pain. Exercises focus on the concepts of motor control, stability/mobility system balance, movement competency and training functional movement patterning. This course is part three of our four part series on Pilates. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.

Complex and Chronic Impairment in Concussion
Presented by Laura Morris, PT, NCS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Laura Morris, PT, NCS
Course: #4353Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'Great info!'   Read Reviews
This webinar will include an exploration of the various etiologies of dysfunction following mTBI, including, headache, visual/oculomotor impairment, chronic dizziness, and pain. The challenging issue of prioritizing intervention and appropriate referral to other medical practitioners will be discussed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.

Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for .5 hour of general and 1.5 hour of Direct Access CE credit.

Clinical Use of the Reformer for the Upper Body
Presented by Rhondi Miller, PT, MS, SCS, ATC
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rhondi Miller, PT, MS, SCS, ATC
Course: #3330Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'Very impressive presentation--your attention to detail, alignment, function, etc'   Read Reviews
A reformer is an effective tool for rehabilitating the upper body. This course will provide exercises appropriate for progressing upper extremity rehab from scapular control to glenohumeral stability, to fully-integrated shoulder girdle training. Exercises focus on the concepts of motor control, stability/mobility system balance, movement competency and training functional movement patterning. This is part four of our four-part series on Pilates. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.

Cultivating a Sustainable Core, Part II: Therapeutic Interventions from Yoga, Physical Therapy, and Sports Medicine in Rehabilitation
Presented by Liz Gillem Duncanson, PT, MPT, ATC, CSCS, PYT, RYT-200, C-IAYT
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Liz Gillem Duncanson, PT, MPT, ATC, CSCS, PYT, RYT-200, C-IAYT
Course: #3332Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'Integrative, well-weaved multidisciplinary approach through a fantastic presentation'   Read Reviews
This course is a continuation of the course titled, "Yoga Therapeutics to Cultivate A Sustainable Core" We build on the evidence-based and anatomical foundation of the dynamic core and apply the clinical reasoning of progressing patients and athletes through therapeutic exercises. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is appropriate for the PT,PTA and AT.

How to Promote Lifelong Shoulder Health for Wheelchair Users
Presented by Sara Frye, MS, OTR/L, ATP
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Sara Frye, MS, OTR/L, ATP
Course: #4356Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'It was very practical'   Read Reviews
Using a wheelchair places a significant strain on the upper extremity. Therapists should be proactive in preventing repetitive strain injuries to help clients maintain independence and improve their quality of life. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.