Michigan Splint

The Michigan Splint is the gold-standard stabilization appliance for temporomandibular disorders. It is a maxillary full-arch acrylic splint with even posterior point contacts and anterior guidance, fabricated on an articulator from a face-bow transfer and CR bite record.

• Full-Arch Acrylic Splint — Maxillary, clear heat-cured PMMA • Posterior Occlusal Surface — Flat plane with even point contacts in CR • Anterior Guidance Ramp — Canine-protected or group function at 20-30° • Palatal Coverage — Full palate for retention • No Clasps — Retention through precision fit

The splint provides a stable, reproducible occlusal platform. Even posterior point contacts in centric relation eliminate occlusal interferences. The anterior guidance ramp ensures immediate posterior disclusion during excursive movements — protecting the posterior teeth and TMJ from parafunctional forces.

1. Face-bow transfer to semi-adjustable articulator 2. Mount maxillary cast via face-bow 3. Mount mandibular cast via CR bite record 4. Set condylar inclination and Bennett angle 5. Wax splint with posterior point contacts and anterior ramp 6. Process in clear heat-cured PMMA 7. Remount and verify: even posterior contacts, anterior guidance, no posterior interferences in excursions 8. Polish to high gloss

• Acrylic: Clear heat-cured PMMA (ISO 20795-1) • Minimum thickness: 1.5-2.0mm occlusal • Anterior guidance angle: 20-30° • Face-bow transfer required (not optional) • Semi-adjustable articulator required • QC: Centric contact verification (shimstock), excursive contact verification, surface polish