The efficacy of occlusal splints in the treatment of bruxism: A systematic review

Bruxism is a commonly reported oral parafunctional activity characterised by excessive tooth grinding or clenching outside normal functional activity. The present systematic review aims to examine the available literature determine effectiveness of occlusal splints in treatment bruxism compared no and alternative modalities. Data extraction was undertaken conjunction with quality evidence assessment. A search following databases undertaken: MEDLINE via OVID, Pubmed (Medline), Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials, Central Register Controlled Trials EMBASE. Randomised (RCT) quasi-RCTs which met inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. These included studies comparing other interventions. Twenty-two identified fourteen meeting criteria. Only small number each comparison (one two some) all had medium high risk bias. There insufficient whether splint therapy provides benefit over treatment, appliances, TENS, behavioural pharmacological therapy. Furthermore, there lack many suffering from need further research this area improvement trial quality. This aimed bruxism. It found recommend relevant dental clinicians who may provide such appliances cautions them provision.