| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0124 |
| Type | occlusal |
| Category | occlusal |
| Fixed/removable | removable |
| Primary function | bruxism protection; TMD; centric relation guidance |
| Malocclusion target | bruxism; TMD; occlusal dysfunction |
| Material | nylon (polyamide) thermoplastic |
| Uses TADs | no |
A full-contact occlusal splint with anterior guidance is a nightguard-type appliance fabricated from nylon thermoplastic covering the full upper arch with posterior teeth contacts and an anterior guidance ramp. The nylon material provides a hard-wearing surface that protects enamel from bruxism while remaining slightly flexible (unlike hard acrylic), improving patient comfort. The anterior guidance component creates a ramp that guides the mandible into a repeatable centric relation closure path, disarticulating the posterior teeth as the mandible closes — this reduces masseter and temporalis muscle activity during clenching.
Full posterior coverage creates even occlusal stops at centric relation, preventing any single tooth from bearing concentrated parafunctional forces. The anterior ramp guides the mandibular incisors along a defined path on closure (immediate posterior disocclusion), reducing the duration and intensity of posterior tooth contact during bruxism. Nylon material absorbs some impact force rather than rigidly transmitting it through the teeth.
Moderate-to-severe bruxism with TMD symptoms; patients who crack or wear through acrylic night guards; patients where both bruxism protection and centric relation guidance are clinical goals; neuromuscular dentistry protocols where anterior guidance is part of the occlusal rehabilitation plan; TMD patients transitioning from a deprogrammer to long-term splint therapy.
More expensive to fabricate than standard EVA or acrylic guards. Nylon material may discolor over time with coffee/tea. Anterior guidance must be precisely set — an incorrect guidance angle can produce unwanted condylar displacement.
pressure-formed
built into anterior acrylic)
The anterior guidance angle must be set per the clinician's prescription (usually 30–45° from horizontal). Posterior occlusal contacts must be even at centric relation — articulated models are essential. Nylon thermoforming requires specific temperature/pressure settings different from EVA or PETG. CFL offers this under the splint/occlusal category; pricing varies by design complexity.
anterior guidance; flat posterior occlusal surface.
anterior guidance; classic TMD splint.
repositioning variant.
Education](https://www.speareducation.com/spear-review/2015/09/muscle-deprogramming-a-source-of-confusion)
Therapeutics](https://www.orofacialtherapeutics.com/blog/what-are-anterior-bite-plane-splints/)
mechanism, fabrication notes.