Michigan / Tanner Splints
'Michigan' and 'Tanner' splints are used for the treatment of dysfunction of the'TMJ', muscle, control 'Bruxism' and 'Parafunctional' habits. Michigan splints was developed at Michigan University with the aim of creating neuromuscular harmony within the masticatory system to help with reducing parafunctional forces.
The appliance is also called a 'Stabilisation' splint and provides balanced occlusion on the appliance that allows for smooth jaw movement by removing any interferences, and allows the condyles to seat in centric relation. Once balanced and fitted chair side, all of the opposing dentition will occlude with the splint with a bilateral contact of force at the same time, thus reducing the bite force that muscles generate and causing the muscle to relax.
'Michigan' splints are typically constructed on the maxilla and 'Tanner' splints are constructed on the mandible and can be constructed without the need for metal clasping.
Michigan / Tanner
