The Efficiency of Anterior Repositioning Splint for the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Dysunction

The research material consisted of 112 patients, aged 24 to 45 years, of both genders, who reported to the treatment in Consulting Room of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunctions at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, between 2014-2016, due to the pain and clicking of temporomandibular joints with comorbid hypertension of masticatory muscles. Subjects were examined according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders protocol and after inclusion with painful disc displacement with reduction and masticatory muscle contracture assigned randomly to the study or control group (56 patients in each). In the study group was used the anterior repositioning splint on the lower arch for 20 hour usage per 4 months. In the control group a non-invasive therapy was applied using biostimulation laser in the form of 12 session, performed every second day, on the area of the temporomandibular joints with opened mouth and performing muscles self-exercises with a dominant protrusive position of the mandible. Pain intensity was evaluated using verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) immediately before the treatment and then after 4 and 16 weeks. The obtained data were analyzed using U Mann-Whitney test (p ≤ 0,005).

Inclusion criteria

• unilateral or bilateral presence of clicking, popping and/or snapping noise(s) detected with palpation during opening or closing or lateral or protrusive movements in TMJ(s),
• in the previous 30 days, any TMJ noise(s) present with jaw movement or function,
• unilateral or bilateral pain in the area of temporomandibular joint,
• presence of masticatory muscles contracture,
• full dentition or single tooth loss,
• good general health,
• positive mandible protrusion test,
• no contraindications for laser therapy
• patient consent to be involved in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• partial tooth loss or edentulism,
• contraindications for laser therapy
• absence of appropriate symptoms
• absence of consent to be involved in the study