Short Answer
Some adjustment can happen, but strong pain, bite change, tooth pain, or poor fit should be checked.
How to think about it
A splint may feel unfamiliar at first. The important distinction is mild awareness versus worsening pain, pressure spots, tooth pain, bite changes, sleep disruption, or inability to wear it as instructed.
Evidence and limits for this question
What this question checks
This page uses the question "My splint feels uncomfortable during the first week. Is that normal?" to organize a symptom pattern before assuming a TMJ-related cause.
What to rule out first
Urgent, organ-specific, dental, ENT, neurologic, traumatic, infectious, or breathing-related warning signs should be considered before jaw-related interpretation.
What is reviewed in clinic
Consultation details, symptom timing, jaw movement, chewing muscle tension, bite changes, previous exam results, and recurrence patterns may be reviewed together.
What not to decide from this page
Do not use this page alone to choose a diagnosis, appliance, procedure, medication, or emergency response.
Safety note
Do not keep forcing a splint that increases pain, changes bite, injures gums, or causes new tooth symptoms.