The Oakes Splint is specifically designed to stop a patient’s clenching or grinding habit. It works by using a maxillary lingual anterior bite plane that is built up so that only the lower incisors contact the acrylic. Placing all of the clenching forces on the anteriors initiates the nociceptive trigeminal inhibition response and inhibits the temporalis muscles from making strong contractions. Leaving the posteriors completely out of occlusion not only protects the dentition from damage due to bruxism, but leads to the reduction or total elimination of the clenching and grinding habit. Note - This appliance fits the upper arch like a retainer and is held in place by bilateral ball clasps. The palatal acrylic is finished in a horseshoe shape for patient comfort.