What type of splint can you use to prevent grinding at night?

• A. Resilience splint
• B. Anterior repositioning splint
• C. Hard stabilization splint
• D. Nightguard/Stabilization splint

Answer: (D)

Nocturnal bruxism is best managed with a nightguard, also called a stabilization splint. This hard acrylic appliance covers the biting surfaces to create a flat, even contact that guides the jaw into a stable position and distributes forces across all teeth. By reducing abnormal tooth-to-tooth contacts and minimizing occlusal interferences, it helps lower muscle tension and protects the teeth and joints during sleep. A soft resilience splint cushions contacts but is less effective at preventing wear from heavy grinding and can allow more tooth movement over time. An anterior repositioning splint is used for specific jaw-path disorders and alters jaw position, not routine bruxism protection. A hard stabilization splint is a type of stabilization splint, but the term most commonly used for protecting against nighttime grinding is nightguard/stabilization splint.