Facilitates condyles seating in their most anterior-superior position (that is centric relation (CR).

Anterior Glide plane table - Smooth occlusal surface removes sensory feedback from interfering with tooth contacts and allows elevator muscles to move the mandible so that the condyles can slide posteriorly for complete seating in CR.

The guard should not have any occlusal or cuspal indentations into which opposing teeth can lock and exert heavy lateral or thrusting forces.

Provides posterior disclusion ("canine guidance") NO posterior contact in excursions.

Maxillary guards are preferred as they are better tolerated, more stable, avoid crowding the tongue, and achieve occlusal contact with all opposing teeth regardless of the maxillomandibular relationship.

Posterior open 1.2 to 2 mm. - anterior open 3-6 mm. (May need to be more in symptomatic patients.)