International Journal of Dentistry Research 2026; 11(2): 39-44 DOI:10.31254/dentistry.2026.11205
Manufacturing, Installation and Adjustment of Rigid Interocclusal Splint for Control of Bruxism and Orofacial Pain
Isadora Infante1 , Danielle Treviso1 , Maria Clara Gomes Gonçalves de Almeida2 , Matheus Moraes de Aguiar3 , Erika Matsumura4 , Marina Amaral5 , Paulo Francisco Cesar6 , Lucas Hian da Silva7
1. Predoctoral student, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), Sao Paulo, Brazil
2. Predoctoral student, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Sao Paulo, Brazil
3. Master's student, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
4. Sleep Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
5. Assistant Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade de Taubaté (UNITAU), Sao Paulo, Brazil
6. Associate Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
7. Assistant Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Sao Paulo, Brazil
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 5th June, 2026 / Accepted: 10th August, 2026 / Published : 31st August, 2026
Bruxism and orofacial muscle pain are common clinical conditions that may lead to tooth wear, muscle fatigue, and discomfort during mastication. Rigid occlusal splints, particularly those based on the Michigan occlusal splint design, are widely used to control these symptoms and protect the dentition. This case report describes a 20-year-old female patient who presented with persistent pain in the masseter and temporalis muscles, exacerbated during mastication, and muscle fatigue upon waking. After a detailed occlusal and radiographic examination, a diagnosis of probable sleep bruxism with mild tooth wear was established based on self-reported symptoms and clinical signs, without instrumental confirmation. Treatment involved obtaining impressions of the upper and lower arches, recording the centric relation with a Lucia JIG, mounting the plaster models in a semi-adjustable articulator, and fabricating a rigid splint from injectable acrylic resin (IvoBase®). The interocclusal splint was adjusted for optimal occlusal contact, ensuring patient comfort and promoting reduction of muscle tension. Pain intensity was assessed using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and pain-related impact using the Graded Chronic Pain Scale – Revised (GCPS-R, v2.0). At baseline, the patient presented a VAS score of 45 mm and GCPS-R Grade I. After 7 days of nocturnal use, the VAS score decreased to 20 mm and the GCPS-R grade improved to Grade 0. At the 3-month follow-up, the pain-free status was maintained (VAS 0 mm, GCPS-R Grade 0), with good adherence and no adverse events. This case highlights the role of the rigid Michigan-type occlusal splint as an adjunct in the management of probable sleep bruxism, emphasising the importance of precise fabrication and adjustment for therapeutic success.
Occlusal Splint, Sleep Bruxism, Rigid Splint, Michigan Occlusal Splint, Acrylic Resin
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE-
Infante I, Treviso D, de Almeida MCGG, de Aguiar MM, Matsumura E, Amaral M, et al. Manufacturing, Installation and Adjustment of Rigid Interocclusal Splint for Control of Bruxism and Orofacial Pain. Int J Dent Res 2026; 11(2):39-44. doi: 10.31254/dentistry.2026.11205
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0.
