Home » Knowledge Base » Product‑Specific Guides » Bite Splint / Night Guard Design Guide

📘 Bite Splint / Night Guard Design Guide

Overview

Bite splints (night guards) protect teeth from bruxism, reduce muscle tension, and stabilize occlusion. CAE Dental designs digital splints that are accurate, comfortable, and ready for 3D printing or milling. This guide explains the types of splints we offer, what files you need to submit, and how to ensure the best results.

🦷 Types of Bite Splints We Support

1. Bite Splints

Flat plane and Anteriorly guided splint.

Best for:

  • Heavy bruxers
  • Long‑term wear
  • Maximum durability

2. Night Guards

Basic protective shell set to desired thickness.

Best for:

  • Patients needing basic remedy
  • Moderate bruxers
  • Long‑term compliance

3. Anterior Deprogrammers

Designed to disengage posterior teeth and reduce muscle activity.

Best for:

  • TMJ therapy
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Short‑term diagnostic use

📂 Required Files for Bite Splint Cases

1. Upper and Lower Scans

Provide:

  • Full arch scans
  • Clean, trimmed data
  • No holes or missing anatomy

2. Bite Scan

A stable bite ensures proper occlusion and splint fit.

Tips:

  • Capture bilateral posterior contact
  • Ensure the patient is fully closed
  • Avoid distorted or open bites(unless providing deprogrammer bite)

3. Photos (Optional but Helpful)

  • Frontal retracted view
  • Occlusal photos
  • Any relevant occlusion notes

🧭 Step‑by‑Step Workflow

Step 1: Capture Accurate Scans

Ensure:

  • Full arch coverage
  • Smooth, clean surfaces
  • Properly captured occlusal anatomy

Step 2: Record a Stable Bite

This is critical for splint accuracy.

Best practices:

  • Have the patient close in centric relation
  • Capture both sides evenly
  • Verify no open bite unless intentional

Step 3: Provide Case Notes

Include:

  • Thickness preference (e.g., 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm)
  • Coverage (full arch or partial)
  • Any known occlusal issues

Step 4: Upload Files to CAE Dental

Upload:

  • Upper scan
  • Lower scan
  • Bite scan
  • Photos (optional)
  • Additional notes

Use clear file names such as:

  • Upper.stl
  • Lower.stl
  • Bite.stl

Step 5: Review the Final Design

Once the design is completed:

  • Check occlusion
  • Verify thickness
  • Confirm coverage
  • Ensure proper anterior guidance (if applicable)

You can request adjustments directly in the order page.

⚠️ Common Issues to Avoid

  • Missing bite scan
  • Unstable or uneven bite
  • Incomplete arch scans
  • No occlusion notes for complex cases
  • Excessive scan artifacts

These issues can delay the case or require a rescan.

🚀 Tips for Best Results

  • Capture a clean, stable bite
  • Provide thickness preferences
  • Include occlusion notes for TMJ or bruxism cases
  • Use hybrid splints for comfort + durability
  • Upload photos if occlusion is complex

Was this helpful?