Title Occlusal Splints and Sleep Bruxism
Clinical Question Are occlusal splints more effective than no treatment in controlling sleep bruxism?
Clinical Bottom Line There is insufficient evidence to indicate that occlusal splints reduce sleep bruxism more than no treatment; however, they may be of some value in reducing wear on the dentition. (See Comments on the CAT below)
Best Evidence  
PubMed ID Author / Year Patient Group Study type
(level of evidence)
17943862Macedo/20075 of 32 potentially-relevant RCTs were includedMeta-analysis
Key resultsThe authors concluded that there was insufficient evidence to indicate that occlusal splints are effective in treating sleep bruxism. Meta-analysis showed no significant differences between the occlusal splint and control groups (a variety of other treatment methods as well as no treatment).
Evidence Search PubMed search: "Sleep Bruxism"[Mesh] AND "Occlusal Splints"[Mesh]
Comments on
The Evidence
This Cochrane review is very solid evidence. The authors did mention that there is need for more controlled RCT’s and that occlusal splints may be useful for preventing tooth wear in patients with sleep bruxism.
Applicability This is applicable to any adult patient seeking relief from sleep bruxism.
Specialty (General Dentistry)
Keywords Sleep bruxism; bruxism; occlusal splints; grinding; dental appliances
ID# 465
Date of submission 12/22/2009
E-mail FrancisJ@uthscsa.edu
Author J. Christian Francis
Co-author(s)
Co-author(s) e-mail
Faculty mentor John D. Rugh, PhD
Faculty mentor e-mail rugh@uthscsa.edu
   
Basic Science Rationale
(Mechanisms that may account for and/or explain the clinical question, i.e. is the answer to the clinical question consistent with basic biological, physical and/or behavioral science principles, laws and research?)
None available
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Comments and Evidence-Based Updates on the CAT
(FOR PRACTICING DENTISTS', FACULTY, RESIDENTS and/or STUDENTS COMMENTS ON PUBLISHED CATs)
by Khoa Nguyen (San Antonio, TX) on 04/12/2012
A PubMed search on this topic was completed in March 2012. The publications listed in the CAT are the most recent and the highest level of evidence related to this clinical question.