A surgical guide is a custom-made template that helps a clinician position surgical instruments in a planned location and angulation. It is most commonly used in dental implant surgery to guide drilling and implant placement. Depending on the case, the surgical guide may rest on teeth, gum tissue, or bone. The goal is to transfer a planned position (often created from scans) into the mouth as accurately as practical.
guided surgery is a method of performing dental surgery using a custom-made guide or real-time navigation based on a digital plan. It is most commonly discussed for dental implant placement, but it can also support other oral surgical steps. The goal is to translate a virtual treatment plan into the patient’s mouth as accurately as possible. It is typically used in practices that combine 3D imaging, digital impressions, and CAD/CAM manufacturing.
implant planning is the process of deciding where and how a dental implant will be placed before any surgery begins. It combines clinical examination with imaging (often 3D scans) to map bone, teeth, and nearby anatomy. It is commonly used in dental implant therapy to support predictable positioning and restoration design. It helps align surgical steps with the intended final tooth (the crown) rather than placing an implant “in isolation.”
A Michigan splint is a rigid, removable dental appliance that covers the biting surfaces of the teeth, most commonly on the upper jaw. It is designed to provide a stable, even contact between the upper and lower teeth during jaw function. Clinicians often use it in the evaluation and management of tooth grinding (bruxism) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It is also used as a diagnostic tool to help assess how the bite and jaw muscles respond to a more stable occlusal position.
A stabilization splint is a removable dental appliance that usually covers the biting surfaces of an entire arch (often the upper teeth). It is designed to provide a stable, even biting platform and reduce harmful tooth-to-tooth contacts. It is commonly used in the management of bruxism (clenching/grinding) and some temporomandibular disorder (TMD) presentations. It is typically worn at night, though wear schedules vary by clinician and case.
splint therapy is the use of a custom or semi-custom oral appliance (a “splint”) worn over the teeth. It is commonly used in dentistry to manage jaw muscle overuse, tooth grinding, and some temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms. A splint can help protect teeth and restorations by reducing direct tooth-to-tooth contact. It may also be used as a diagnostic aid to observe how the bite and jaw joints behave over time.
A night guard is a removable dental appliance worn over the teeth, most often during sleep. It is commonly used to help manage tooth wear, jaw muscle strain, and certain bite-related symptoms associated with clenching or grinding. A night guard can be custom-made by a dental team or purchased in over-the-counter forms with varying fit and materials. In clinical settings, it is typically discussed within bruxism (clenching/grinding) care, occlusal therapy, and protection of restorations.
occlusal guard is a tooth-colored, resin-based dental material used on biting (occlusal) surfaces. It is commonly placed in small restorations, protective occlusal coatings, and minor repairs. It is typically used with adhesive dentistry steps such as etching, bonding, and light-curing. In simple terms, it is a “tooth-colored filling material” designed to flow and adapt to grooves and small defects.
eugenol-free temporary cement is a short-term dental material used to hold a temporary crown or bridge in place. It can also be used to seal certain teeth openings for a limited period between appointments. It is “eugenol-free,” meaning it does not contain eugenol (a clove-oil component found in some older temporary cements). It is commonly used in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics during treatment transitions.
temporary cement is a dental material used to hold a restoration in place for a limited time. It is commonly used with temporary crowns, bridges, and certain short-term fillings or seals. It is designed to be easier to remove than permanent cement when the next appointment happens. The exact handling and performance depend on the product and clinical situation.