ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Heat-cured acrylic has been the most commonly used material for construction of bite splints. Although effective, its processing involves several steps and is time consuming. Furthermore, acrylic splints distort easily if not kept in water when not worn for long periods of time. A newly developed light-cured composite material is now being used for bite splint fabrication. The composite material offers benefits in ease and speed of construction, has minimal warping and distortion, and has proven patient acceptance. The aim of this study was to determine if patient satisfaction with the composite splint was as good as, or preferential to, the acrylic splint. METHODS: Both a composite and an acrylic bite splint were fabricated for each of 10 patients. The splints were worn alternately on a nightly basis and were adjusted as needed after the first week. After 3 weeks, each patient completed a questionnaire regarding the properties of each splint and any preferences they had in reference to fit, comfort, and other parameters of satisfaction. RESULTS: All of the patients were able to wear at least one of the splints comfortably. All 10 preferred the composite splint over the acrylic splint, agreeing that it felt more natural and was more comfortable to wear. CONCLUSIONS: The light-cured composite bite splint is preferable from the patient's perspective to the heat-cured acrylic bite splint. The composite splint is rapidly constructed on the original model, easily seated, and comfortably worn. Other properties of composite material also make it preferable for long-term use. Future studies are necessary to evaluate the functional differences between the composite and acrylic splint.
Subject(s)
Occlusal Splints , Orthodontic Appliance Design , Acrylic Resins , Adult , Bruxism/therapy , Composite Resins , Female , Hot Temperature , Humans , Light , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Surveys and Questionnaires , Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome/therapyABSTRACT
Traumatic occlusion and occlusal habits, such as clenching and grinding, are the cause of many dental problems. These etiologic factors must be considered and evaluated when treating the dental patient. Early diagnosis and construction of a reversible occlusal appliance is often the most effective, quickest, and least invasive means of therapy. Temporomandibular joint surgery, occlusal equilibration, reconstructive dentistry, orthognathic surgery, orthodontics, and psychotherapy have all been used with success in some cases. Such invasive, and costly, procedures should be considered only after occlusal bite splint therapy has been proven unsuccessful. Occlusal bite splints can be constructed from heat-cured acrylic or light-cured composite. The composite splint is a new material that has minimal distortion, is comfortably worn, and can be constructed in the dental office in less than 30 minutes.
