ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Vacuum formed and heat cured acrylic splints have been used in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient's preference to either the vacuum formed or the heat cured acrylic splint. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients planned to receive splints were chosen from the dental school. Both types of occlusal splints were fabricated for each of them. Each patient used the splints alternatively on a nightly basis for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, each patient completed a questionnaire regarding the comfort, fit, retention, occlusal contact, taste, gingival and lip irritation, smoothness and smelling. Statistical analysis was conducted by the MacNemar's Chisquare test. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in patient's responses to the different splint materials except for the comfort of wearing through the night. CONCLUSION: The vacuum formed and heat cured acrylic splint may be equally worn in patient preference for treatment of temporomandibular disorders.
