Digital splints may improve bruxism management

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 20 May 2026

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CHENNAI, India: Digital workflows and sensor-based technologies are being explored in occlusal splint therapy, but it remains unclear whether these approaches produce better outcomes than conventional appliances in patients with bruxism. A new systematic review has examined how CAD/CAM splints or biofeedback splints compare with conventional splints and suggests that technology-assisted splints could offer modest advantages over traditional devices, although the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw firm clinical conclusions.

The review assessed outcomes such as symptom severity, pain reduction, bruxism event frequency, muscle activity and patient-reported measures and included eight randomised controlled trials comparing digital and traditional splints. Across the studies, digital devices generally showed greater reductions in symptom severity, pain and bruxism events, although many of the differences failed to reach statistical significance.

One of the stronger findings came from a trial of a biofeedback splint that detected occlusal pressure and delivered vibratory feedback intra-orally when bruxing forces exceeded a preset threshold. The device reduced both the frequency and duration of sleep bruxism episodes more effectively than a conventional occlusal splint. Another study developed a biofeedback splint that delivered vibratory feedback to a wrist-worn receiver when the threshold was exceeded and reported better outcomes than standard occlusal therapy.

The review also highlights practical considerations. Digitally fabricated splints may offer advantages such as more precise fit and, depending on the material used, improved durability. Sensor-based or biofeedback devices can allow the recording and analysing of occlusal force and bruxism activity.

While the review adds to a growing body of research suggesting that digitally assisted splint therapies may help manage sleep bruxism, the authors repeatedly stressed that the current evidence base remains limited. Most of the studies included involved relatively small patient groups, and there was substantial variation in splint designs, outcome measures and treatment methods. The researchers thus concluded that larger, better-standardised trials are needed before these devices can be considered clearly superior to traditional options.

The review, titled “Comparison of digital splints versus traditional splints for bruxism management: A systematic review”, was published online on 8 May 2026 in BDJ Open.