An analysis on short-term effectiveness of occlusal splint therapy in patients with TMJ disorders

Abstract

To clarify the short term effectiveness of occlusal splint therapy 11 patients be¬tween ages 15-45, with TMJ disorders were chosen. 5 of the patients which proved to have disc interference problems were treated with an anterior repo¬sition splint whereas the rest was treated with stabilization type splints. The evaluations before and after the treatment were made according to the anam-nestic and clinical dysfunction index of Helkimo. In order to compare the pre and post treatment period, student t test was used whereas the results were evaluated by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon test. These re¬veal that TMJ sounds and limitation of mandibular movement respond more slowly than pain and tenderness.