Biteguard and NTI
traditional splint pop-up diagram

A traditional splint allows minimal resistance in side to side movement. This lack of resistance gives the lateral pterygoid muscles a chance to rest (muscle with blue arrow). But a traditional splint does not protect the temporalias muscle in the same way possably causing the temporalis muscle to go into spasm. This is usually felt as a tension headache in the temple region.

Generally, a traditional splint is perfect for helping relieve pain that is felt around the joint (the area foward of the ear and just below the cheeks).