Michigan splint vs soft night guard
Quick answer
What is the difference between a Michigan splint and a soft night guard?
A soft nightguard (from £295) cushions teeth against grinding wear, but its rubbery surface can sometimes encourage chewing and jaw clenching.
A Michigan splint (from £625) is a precision-engineered, hard acrylic appliance that balances your bite, guides jaw movements, and relieves pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Both are custom-made at York House in West Byfleet.
| Soft night guard | Michigan splint | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost at York House | From £295 | £625 |
| Material | Soft, rubbery guard | Hard acrylic, adjusted in the chair |
| What it does | Cushions teeth against grinding wear | Balances the bite and guides jaw movement |
| Effect on clenching muscles | Can encourage chewing into the soft surface | Canine guidance switches clenching muscles off |
| Best for | Mild grinding, tooth wear protection | Severe clenching, jaw joint pain, TMJ symptoms |
What you need to know
Soft nightguards are great for simple tooth wear protection in mild bruxists or young patients. However, patients with severe clenching or jaw joint pain often chew into soft guards, which can aggravate the masseter and pterygoid muscles.
A Michigan splint is meticulously crafted from hard acrylic and adjusted in the dental chair so that all opposing teeth make simultaneous, uniform contact when your jaw closes. When you slide your jaw sideways, custom canine guidance disengages the back teeth, instantly switching off clenching muscles.
If you suffer from morning jaw soreness, ear pain, clicking joints, or tension headaches, our dentists assess your bite to recommend whether a protective nightguard or an orthotic Michigan splint is appropriate. For jaw clicking and pain, see our guide to temporomandibular disorders.
Care at York House Dental Practice
Welcoming new patients, families and emergency appointments from West Byfleet, Woking, Weybridge, and across Surrey.
Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist
