A flexible material such as Erkoflex-95 can be used where a genuinely soft appliance is indicated. Another option is a hard/soft material such as Erkoloc-pro, which provides a softer tooth-facing…
FAQ Category: Occlusal Splints and Night Guards
Is a hard or soft splint better for bruxism?
There is no universal answer. Hard splints provide a stable occlusal surface that can be accurately adjusted, while softer appliances may be more comfortable for selected patients. Hard/soft materials offer…
Can an occlusal splint be made by thermoforming?
Yes. Thermoforming is a well-established method for producing hard, soft and hard/soft occlusal splints. Material and thickness are selected according to the appliance design, and the formed splint can then…
How thick should a bruxism splint be?
The required thickness depends on the design of the appliance, available interocclusal space, material and severity of wear. Adjusted hard splints are generally made from substantially thicker material than retainers,…
What is the best material for a Michigan splint?
A rigid thermoforming material such as Erkodur is suitable for a Michigan-style splint where a stable, accurately adjustable occlusal surface is required. Erkoloc-pro provides a hard/soft alternative when a softer…
Can I make a hard-soft occlusal splint?
Yes. Multilayer materials such as Erkoloc-pro are specifically suited to hard/soft splint construction. The softer TPU side is positioned against the teeth, while the harder PETG layer forms the external…
What are the advantages of a dual-layer splint?
A dual-layer splint can combine the comfort and flexibility of a softer internal layer with the stability and adjustability of a harder outer surface. This can make the appliance easier…
How do you improve retention of a thermoformed splint?
Retention is influenced by model accuracy, tooth undercuts, appliance extension, material stiffness and trim line. Avoid excessive block-out, because removing too much undercut can make an appliance loose, but also…
Why is my thermoformed splint too tight?
Common causes include excessive tooth undercuts, insufficient block-out, excessive extension into cervical areas, interproximal locking, very rigid material or an inaccurate model. Identify the specific area causing the appliance to…
What material is best for a hard night guard?
A tough, rigid material such as Erkodur is well suited to hard night guards and other adjustable occlusal appliances. Its hard surface provides dimensional stability and allows accurate occlusal adjustment.…