Understanding Michigan and Tanner Splints in Modern Dental Practice

When it comes to protecting teeth, easing muscle tension, and helping patients finally get a good night’s sleep, Michigan and Tanner splints are two of the most trusted solutions available. As a dental laboratory that has been crafting high quality appliances since 1969, we have seen just how transformative a well made splint can be. They may not look glamorous, but they certainly know how to keep teeth out of trouble. Think of them as the quiet heroes working overnight while your patient dreams peacefully of a world without jaw pain.

This guide walks you through what these splints are, how they work, who they help, and why partnering with a high quality lab makes all the difference. 

What Are Michigan Splints
A Michigan splint is a maxillary full coverage occlusal splint designed to provide a stable occlusal platform while relaxing the masticatory muscles. In simpler terms it is a comfortable protective appliance that helps stop destructive grinding and clenching while guiding the jaw into a healthier position. Each splint is fully customised to the patient and fabricated in hard, durable, heat cured acrylic to withstand the forces of bruxism.

The hallmark of a Michigan splint is its flat occlusal surface with carefully shaped canine guidance and protrusive guidance. This design helps the mandible move smoothly without locking into parafunctional patterns. It reduces muscle hyperactivity and protects restorations, natural dentition, implants and orthodontic work. When fitted correctly many patients report noticeable relief in headaches, jaw stiffness, and morning discomfort.

What Are Tanner Splints
A Tanner splint shares similar goals but differs slightly in design. Instead of being entirely flat, it includes slight indentations that mirror the opposing cusps. These shallow occlusal stops can make the appliance feel more natural for some patients. Think of it as giving them a familiar landing spot without recreating their destructive bite patterns.

The Tanner design is particularly useful for patients who struggle to tolerate a pure flat plane splint, or when you want a little more occlusal control without introducing heavy guidance. It is also commonly used as a stabilising phase during restorative cases, orthodontics, and smile rehabilitation. Because it feels intuitive in the mouth many patients adapt quickly which makes compliance easier.

When Should Dentists Prescribe Michigan or Tanner Splints
These appliances are ideal for patients with the following conditions:

• Bruxism either daytime or nocturnal
• Temporomandibular joint discomfort
• Muscle tension headaches
• Occlusal instability following restorative work
• Wear facets and enamel erosion
• Parafunction related cracked teeth
• Clenching leading to cervical abrasion or sensitivity
• Protection for implant or ceramic work
• Orthodontic retention when muscle tension is a contributing factor
  
  

In the real world many patients will not describe their symptoms in these technical terms. Instead they say things like My jaw clicks when I eat or My teeth feel sore in the morning or My partner says I sound like I am sanding wood at night. These are the people who benefit most from a good splint.

How Do These Splints Actually Work

• Michigan and Tanner splints work through three core mechanisms.
• Muscle relaxation. When the bite is placed on a smooth consistent surface the elevator muscles decrease activity. Less hyperactivity means less pain and fewer migraines.
• Joint decompression. The splint helps position the condyle in a more orthopedically stable spot within the fossa. This eases inflammation and improves range of movement.
• Occlusal protection. A tough acrylic surface absorbs forces that would otherwise damage teeth and restorations. This is especially important for ceramic cases and implant prosthetics.
• The beauty of a well made splint is that it supports the entire system rather than chasing isolated symptoms. A stable comfortable bite gives patients relief while giving clinicians predictable outcomes.
  
  

Why Precision Matters in Splint Fabrication
In our experience a perfectly crafted occlusal splint is the difference between a patient wearing it every night and a patient leaving it in the bathroom drawer next to that unused whitening tray from 2012. Comfort accuracy and bite registration are everything.

A high quality splint should include:

• Smooth highly polished surfaces
• Stable full arch coverage
• Precise canine guidance and excursive control where appropriate
• Even balanced contacts verified on the articulator
• Thermal acrylic materials that resist cracking
• Excellent retention without excessive tightness
• Batch controlled acrylic for clinical safety
• Clear and cosmetically clean appearance
  
  

At Bremadent we:

• CAD design and CAM mill all of our Michigan & Tanner splints
• 3D print models if sent via digital scan or cast traditionally
• Fit onto 3D printed or cast models 
• Verify and spot grind excursions with articulating paper on a Denar Articulator
  
  

With decades of technical expertise from our prosthetic and crown and bridge teams. The result is a splint that performs well, lasts long, and makes both clinician and patient happy.

Digital or Traditional Workflow for Splints
Modern dentistry gives us options. We accept both analogue impressions and digital scans. Digital scanners such as Trios, iTero, Medit, Aoralscan and Primescan allow for fast intuitive workflows with superb accuracy. Digital impressions also reduce chairside time and eliminate the need for retakes due to drag lines or distorted materials.

Whether cases come in digitally or traditionally, the end goal remains the same. A splint that fits first time, balances evenly, and supports the treatment plan.

Patient Communication Tips for Better Compliance
As you know patients rarely get excited about wearing appliances unless you are handing them a new set of aligners. Here are simple communication tips that work wonders:

• Explain the benefits clearly. Describe how it will reduce pain and protect their teeth long term.
• Use relatable examples. Tell them that their splint is basically a helmet for their teeth.
• Normalize the experience. Reinforce that many patients wear these appliances and get great results.
• Set expectations. Let them know the first couple of nights may feel odd but this settles quickly.
• Celebrate improvements. When they tell you they slept better or noticed less tension, highlight the win.
• Compliance usually improves when patients understand the purpose and feel part of the process.
  
  

Why Dental Practices Across London Trust Bremadent
Bremadent Dental Laboratory has been handcrafting splints for more than five decades in London. Our technicians understand occlusion inside out and work closely with clinicians to achieve predictable clinical outcomes. Because we offer both Michigan and Tanner designs, we tailor the appliance to the patient and treatment goals rather than forcing everyone into one style.

Our turnaround times are reliable, our communication is transparent, and our work is consistent. Many practices rely on us for CADCAM, prosthetics, ceramics, implants, ortho and digital workflows which makes us a trusted partner for splint therapy as well. If you need guidance on case selection, impression technique, digital workflows or splint adjustments we are always happy to help.

If you want precision made Michigan or Tanner splints that feel great, protect beautifully, and keep patients coming back for follow up visits with smiles instead of sore jaws, we would love to support your practice.

📍 Bremadent Dental Laboratory, 25a St James Street, Walthamstow, London E17 7PJ
📞 0208 520 8528
🌐 www.bremadent.co.uk
📧 [email protected] 

More info on Michigan / Tanner Splints