IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-6-25396 Original Research Paper REDEFINING OCCLUSAL SPLINTS Meenakshi S Dr. Dr Aishwarya R Patil Dr. June 2020 9 6 01 02 ABSTRACT

Occlusal splint therapy defined as “the art and science of establishing neuromuscular harmony in the masticatory system by creating a mechanical disadvantage for parafunctional forces with removable appliances. It is a device which fits over the occlusal and incisal surface of the teeth in one arch. It may be used for occlusal stabilization, for treatment of temporomandibular disorders, or to prevent wear of the dentition. When considering the use of splints, one should avoid the “one aetiology, one diagnosis and one treatment” approach. A combination of various treatment plans are employed in the management of patients of TMD including counselling, drug therapy, physiotherapy and splint therapyproducing a better cumulative result than any individual options used in isolation. Hence, it is important to recognize the basic science behind temporomandibular joint function and dysfunction, the evaluation of TMJ and the application of splints in rectifying the same– WHEN WHERE AND HOW?