J Dent Rehabil Appl Sci.  2021 Dec;37(4):225-231. 10.14368/jdras.2021.37.4.225.

Analysis of splint weaning in temporomandibular disorder patients

• Kim BE
• Min KR
• Kim HT
• Ahn HJ
• Kim ST

• KMID: 2525997
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14368/jdras.2021.37.4.225

Abstract

Purpose
There are many studies on the indications and efficacy of splint therapy commonly used in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, there have been no studies on the splint weaning in terms of the splint use tapering period in relation to symptom improvement of TMD. This retrospective study aims to analyze a proper splint weaning method in patients with TMD based on symptom improvement.
Materials and Methods
The authors examined 130 TMD patients with TMJ disorders, masticatory muscle disorders, and clenching/bruxism who had received splint therapy (occlusion stabilization splint, anterior positioning splint) of patients who visited the Department of Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine at Yonsei University Dental Hospital from 2015 to 2020. They were evaluated according to the method to wean splints.
Results
The mean splint therapy period was 29.0 months, during which patients wore splints 7 days a week for 8.4 months, 3 - 4 days a week for 9.5 months, and finally 1 - 2 days a week for 11.1 months (a total of 29.0 months, about 2.5 years).
Conclusion
It seems that TMD symptoms can be alleviated and side effects such as occlusal change can be minimized if patients wear a splint 7 days a week for the first 6 months, followed by 3 - 4 days a week for the next 6 to 18 months, and finally 1 - 2 days a week after 18 months.

Keyword

temporomandibular disorders; occlusion stabilization splint; anterior positioning splint

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The clinical diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

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  Fig. 2 Individual count of days with splint use per week over time (months).

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  Fig. 3 Recommended frequency and periods (in months) that each patient wear a splint.

Reference

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