Occlusal stabilization appliance: evaluation of its efficacy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-77572004000300015Keywords:
Temporomandibular disorders, Occlusal stabilization appliance, Magnetic resonance imagingAbstract
Occlusal stabilization appliances or splints are the most widely employed method for treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most indicated imaging modality to evaluate the components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Forty patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders were treated with splints for a mean period of 12 months, comprising regular semimonthly follow-ups. After stabilization of the clinical status, occlusal adjustments and MRI evaluation were performed. It was concluded that the success of this kind of treatment are related to the total (70%) or partial improvement (22.5%) of painful symptomatology and to the functional reestablishment of the craniomandibular complex. The MRI allowed evaluation and also the conclusion that the splints provide conditions for the organism to develop means to resist to the temporomandibular disorders by means of elimination of several etiologic factors. Moreover, after treatment the patients are able to cope with disc displacements with larger or smaller tolerance.Downloads
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Published
2004-09-01
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Original Articles
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Todo o conteúdo do periódico, exceto onde está identificado, está licenciado sob uma Licença Creative Commons do tipo atribuição CC-BY.
How to Cite
Occlusal stabilization appliance: evaluation of its efficacy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders . (2004). Journal of Applied Oral Science, 12(3), 238-243. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-77572004000300015