Table 2 Classification of occlusal splints according to Freesmeyer et al. [28]

Reflex appliances e.g., Interceptor, Anterior Plateau, NTI-tss

Prevent habitual tooth contact and thus prevent gnashing and clenching temporarily, which positively influences the resultant tooth and muscle complaints.

Indicated for acute symptoms that can be attributed to an overloading of the involved tissue (short-term appliances).

Stabilization appliances e.g., Michigan type splint

Create ideal occlusion, synchronous tooth contact in a centric condyle position in static occlusion and an anterior tooth position with disclusion in the lateral teeth region in dynamic occlusion.

Can be used on a short-term and long-term basis, for acute or chronic symptoms and also in psychological and physiological overloading reactions.

Repositioning appliances e.g., Anterior repositioning splint, Farrar type splint, Gelb type splint

The temporomandibular joint or joints is/are set in a therapeutic position by the splint to support healing and to maintain a symptom-free joint posture.

Used for the treatment of temporomandibular joint diseases such as anterior disc displacement with and without reduction, temporomandibular joint compression, retral displacement of the condyle and osteoarthritis. Can be used as a short-term or long-term therapy.