Occlusal appliances. Classification and clinical applications.

Abstract

An occlusal appliance is a removable device, usually made of hard acrylic that fits over the occlusal surface of the upper or lower teeth. There are several different types of appliances according to their use. The appliances have several uses. Most often they are used as a treatment devise in the management of the different temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Occlusal appliances have been proven very effective in reducing symptoms. They can also be used to introduce optimum occlusion relationship between the upper and lower dental arch, or just to protect teeth from nocturnal bruxism, or during athletic activities. One of the biggest advantages of their use is the fact, that they are generally a reversible non invasive treatment modality. In this article different types of occlusal appliances will be discussed.