ABSTRACT
In clinical practice it is commonly assumed that occlusal splints have therapeutic value in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders [TMD], however there is still lack of sufficient evidence to support this claim. The purpose of this double-blind study was to evaluate the short-term [8-week] efficacy of a stabilization splint in subjects with temporomandibular disorders seeking treatment. Seventeen TMD patients were treated with stabilization splints for eight weeks. In addition to filling out questionnaires, all patients underwent a preoperative and postoperative clinical-functional investigation of the masticatory system. Qualitative data were analyzed using Fisher exact and Chi-square tests and Wilcoxon signed ranks test was applied to report quantitative data. A statistically significant decrease was observed postoperatively in the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index [P=0.000] as well as the anamnestic dysfunction index [P=0.020]. In addition there was a statistically significant decrease in muscle tenderness, after treatment [P=.002]. The results of this study indicate that the use of a stabilization splint is beneficial in treatment of the signs and symptoms of TMD, and especially has a positive effect on muscle tenderness