TMJ Splint (Occlusal Appliance) Therapy Guide: Stabilization and Anterior Repositioning Appliances

A TMJ splint is a removable resin appliance made to cover the teeth, and its formal name is an occlusal appliance. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA, 질병관리청) describes occlusal appliances as a method often used for internal derangement of the joint and myofascial pain, and explains that they reduce grinding and abnormal function and prevent tooth wear and loosening. The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단) non-covered information portal classifies making and adjusting occlusal splints, including the occlusal stabilization splint, as non-covered items, so the cost differs by clinic.

Published 2026-11-08 · Updated 2026-11-08 · DentalStatics editorial team

Key facts

Form of the appliance	A removable resin appliance covering the teeth (source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA))
Typical types	Occlusal stabilization splint, anterior repositioning splint (source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA))
Non-covered items	Occlusal stabilization splint, immediate anterior positioning splint, soft occlusal stabilization splint, anterior repositioning splint, and adjustment, relining and reconstruction of splints (source: National Health Insurance Service non-covered information portal)
Time worn	Often worn at night (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS))
Treatments done together	Often combined with physical therapy, behavior therapy and medication (source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA))

What kind of appliance is a TMJ splint?

A splint is a thin resin plate that covers all the upper or lower teeth; when worn, the upper and lower teeth do not touch directly but meet evenly on the appliance. This spreads out the force produced when you grind or clench, reducing the strain on the jaw joint and chewing muscles.

The KDCA explains that occlusal appliances are used to reduce grinding and abnormal function, prevent tooth wear and loosening, and correct the bite relationship. The appliance can be removed at any time and is a reversible treatment that does not grind down or permanently change the teeth.

How do the types of splints differ?

The NHIS non-covered information portal divides occlusal appliances related to TMJ disorders into several kinds. Which appliance is used is decided by looking at whether the pain comes from the joint or the muscles, where the articular disc is, and whether there is grinding.

Occlusal stabilization splint: the most basic form, covering all the teeth with hard resin so they meet evenly
Anterior repositioning splint: an appliance made so the lower jaw bites in a slightly forward position
Soft occlusal stabilization splint: an appliance made of a soft material instead of hard resin
Immediate anterior positioning splint: an anterior bite-type appliance classified separately in the non-covered list; ask the dentist how it is used
Adjustment, relining and reconstruction: procedures that readjust or add to the height and bite of an appliance already in use

How is a splint made and worn?

First an impression of the teeth is taken to make a model, the appliance is made on that model, and then the upper and lower bite is adjusted in the mouth. The NHIS non-covered information portal also lists taking dental impressions and making models as items related to TMJ disorders.

The NHIS notes that occlusal appliances are often worn at night. Whether it is also worn during the day and how many hours a day depends on the symptoms and the type of appliance and is set by the dentist, so be sure to confirm the wearing time when you first receive it. In the first week after receiving it, there may be a foreign-body feeling and changes in saliva, so jot down any discomfort and tell the clinic at the adjustment appointment.

What should you watch while wearing a splint?

If pain gets worse after wearing the appliance, or if in the morning after taking it out the upper and lower teeth do not seem to meet as usual, tell the clinic without waiting for the next appointment. The height and bite of the appliance can change slightly with use, so regular adjustment is needed.

Take the appliance out and clean it with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush, and store it in its case. Putting it in hot water can deform it, and wrapping it in tissue makes it easy to throw away, so take care. If you wear only the appliance and do not correct habits or do exercises, the effect can drop.

How do you check the cost of a splint?

Making and adjusting an occlusal appliance is non-covered, so even the same type of appliance costs a different amount at each clinic. First search the occlusal appliance items in the item price information menu of the NHIS non-covered information portal to see whether published price data exists.

When you get an estimate, ask separately whether the appliance fee includes the impression, the first adjustment and later regular adjustments. The TMJ examination and insured tests carry a separate health insurance copayment, and insured and non-covered items are shown separately on the receipt.

Common myths and facts

Myth: Wearing a splint completely cures a TMJ disorder.

An occlusal appliance is a reversible treatment that reduces strain on the joint and muscles. The KDCA explains that it is often used together with physical therapy, behavior therapy and medication.

Myth: A soft mouthguard sold at a pharmacy is just the same.

A dental occlusal appliance is made from an impression with the bite adjusted, and the type also varies with symptoms. An ill-fitting appliance can change how the teeth meet, so it is safer to use one after a dentist checks it.

Frequently asked questions

Is a splint covered by health insurance?

The NHIS non-covered information portal lists occlusal appliances, such as the occlusal stabilization splint and the anterior repositioning splint, and their adjustment as non-covered items. Health insurance applies to the TMJ examination and insured tests, so check the two parts separately on the receipt.

How long do I have to wear a splint?

The wearing period varies with symptoms and the type of appliance, and at regular visits the dentist watches the change in symptoms and decides whether to reduce the wearing time or stop. Do not wear it longer on your own or stop suddenly; follow the dentist's guidance.

I produce a lot of saliva when I sleep with the splint.

For the first few days after starting a splint, saliva may increase or sleep may be disturbed because of the foreign-body feeling. If the discomfort continues, discuss with the dentist whether the thickness or shape of the appliance can be adjusted.

What should I do if the splint cracks or gets loose?

A cracked or loose appliance changes the bite and can put more strain on you, so do not wear it; bring it to the dentist. They will check whether it can be fixed by adjustment, relining or reconstruction, or whether a new one has to be made.

Is a splint the same as a night guard for grinding?

An appliance that prevents tooth wear from grinding can also be made as a form of occlusal appliance. The design and adjustment of the appliance differ depending on whether there is also jaw pain, so tell the dentist all your symptoms.

References

Korean version →