of the periodontal ligament fibres and reduces the risk of external resorption and ankyloses. however, in terms of a high mobility grade such as when there are cases of bone plate fracture and late replantation, a rigid splint might be needed. flexible splints are usually made out of composite resin and nylon thread. semi rigid splints are usually made with composite resin and orthodontic wire/nylon thread. rigid splints are made with composite and rigid wires or erinch bars and orthodontic appliances. the variations in these splints that are made out of similar materials are mainly the diameters of the wires and the weight of the threads; more flexible splints are made of wires that are of lesser diameter while more rigid splints are made of wires with a larger diameter, likewise for the threads. in addition, the wires could also be twisted in a mesh like way to make it more rigid. the acid-etched resin bonded splint is a relatively new alternative method to protect teeth from further injury by more stabilising them in a favourable occlusal relationship. the main goal in this technique is to replace the missing teeth and provided maximum conservation for the structure of remaining teeth. the acid-etching provides a mechanical retention for the resin. splints are classified into three groups according to their longevity and purpose: 1. temporary in general, these are the ones that used less than six months during the periodontal treatment. they may or may not require further and different types of splinting. extra-coronal splints which are attached to enamel of several teeth intra-coronal splints which are placed into a small channel within the tooth and bonded or cemented into place 2. provisional: they may be used for a long yet limited time-scale, whether months or several years for diagnostic purposes. according to amsterdam and fox. (amsterdam m, fox l. provisional splinting: principles and techniques. dent clin north am 1959;4:73-99.) this is a phase of restoration therapy using tooth dressing coverage and stabilisation of teeth in combination as an immediate and temporary measure. they are used in borderline cases, where dentist cannot predict a certain final outcome for the periodontal treatment during the preliminary treatment-planning. they inform the dentist on whether splinting will be beneficial before any comprehensive treatment. such examples are night guards, ligature wires, and composite resin splints. 3. permanent: they are worn indefinitely and may be fixed or removable. this is to increase functional stability as well as improving aesthetics for the long-term basis. however, they are often placed only after successful achievement of occlusal stability. loose teeth are crowned and fused or joined together examples of such technique is pin ledge type of abutment, and the clasped supported partial denture. final classification is based on the location of the splinted teeth 1. extra-coronal splints: which are attached to enamel of several teeth they used stabilising wire, fibre-optic ribbon or similar stabilisation devices to bond the outside of the teeth like a fixed orthodontic retainer. further examples include nigh guard and tooth-bonded plastic. 2. intra-coronal splints: the stabilising device is placed into a small chamber within the tooth that are milled by the dentist, and bonded or cemented into place. this means the splint is less visible, making it more aesthetically acceptable option. examples: inlays, and nylon wires. management of occlusal trauma associated with periodontal disease occlusal trauma occurs when excessive force is put on teeth. with periodontal disease there can be irreversible trauma to teeth. according to sdcep guidelines, when teeth has either over erupted or drifted due to periodontal disease, it is recommended to check for fremitus or occlusal interference: 1. fremitus test allows the diagnosis of trauma caused by patient’s occlusal forces. the index finger is placed on to the buccal/labial surface of the maxillary teeth. once in maximum intercuspal position, the patient is asked to make lateral and protrusive movements with their jaw. the vibration of the tooth is felt when it is in the maximum intercuspal position. the vibrations are graded as follows: grade i: slight movement (+) grade ii: palpable movement (++) grade iii: movement visible with naked eye (+++) 2. occlusal interference when a tooth occludes in an undesirable contact point, it prevents other teeth from achieving the ideal and harmonious contact points. there are four types of occlusal interference: 1. centric 2. working 3. non-working 4. protrusive occlusal interference can be managed by removing the premature contact point or through restorative materials.