Bruxism and Bite Splints: What’s the Difference Between a Michigan Splint and a Nightguard?

Waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth? You might be dealing with bruxism—a condition where you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth, especially during sleep. Bruxism is incredibly common, yet many people don’t realize they have it until the damage is already done.

The good news? Dentists have tools to help protect your teeth and alleviate symptoms—most commonly, bite splints or nightguards. But not all mouthguards are created equal. One of the most effective types is the Michigan splint, often confused with standard nightguards. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, usually while sleeping (sleep bruxism) but sometimes during the day as well (awake bruxism).

Common symptoms:

• Jaw or facial pain
• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Tooth sensitivity or damage
• Flattened, chipped, or worn teeth
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw (TMJ dysfunction)

How Can Bite Splints Help?

Bite splints—also called occlusal splints or nightguards—are custom-made acrylic appliances worn over the teeth to:

• Protect enamel from wear
• Reduce muscle tension and clenching forces
• Stabilize the jaw joint (TMJ) and improve bite alignment

There are different types of splints, and choosing the right one depends on the severity and underlying cause of your bruxism.

Michigan Splint vs. Nightguard: What’s the Difference?

While both devices aim to protect the teeth, a Michigan splint is more specialized, offering additional therapeutic benefits.

Michigan Splint

• Material: Hard, clear acrylic
• Design: Covers all upper teeth, with flat occlusal (biting) surfaces and carefully adjusted contact points with the lower teeth.
• Made by: A dental lab using detailed bite records and jaw analysis.
• Purpose: Used for moderate to severe bruxism, TMJ disorders, and muscle pain. It aims to:
• Deprogram overactive jaw muscles
• Stabilize the bite
• Allow the jaw to settle into a relaxed position
• Key Feature: Precisely balanced for even contact, reducing strain on the jaw and muscles.

Standard Nightguard

• Material: Can be soft, hard, or dual-layer (soft inside, hard outside)
• Design: Often less detailed in fit; may cover upper or lower teeth.
• Made by: Either custom by a dentist or bought over the counter.
• Purpose: Mainly for mild to moderate bruxism.
• Protects teeth from wear
• Less control over bite forces and muscle relaxation
• Key Feature: Offers cushioning but less therapeutic effect on jaw muscles or TMJ.

So Which One Do You Need?

Why Custom Fit Matters

Whether it’s a Michigan splint or a nightguard, a custom-fit device made by your dentist is far superior to over-the-counter options. A poorly fitting guard can make bruxism worse, cause uneven pressure, or irritate the gums.

Final Thoughts

If you're waking up with sore jaws or grinding your teeth down without realizing it, you're not alone—and you don't have to live with it. Bruxism is manageable, and the right dental splint can offer relief, prevent damage, and protect your long-term oral health. The key is choosing the right tool for your specific needs. If your symptoms are mild, a nightguard might be enough. But if you're dealing with more significant discomfort or TMJ issues, a Michigan splint could be a game changer.

Talk to your dentist about which option is right for you—they can evaluate your bite, symptoms, and muscle activity to guide the best treatment.