Abstract:

Objective To explore the effectiveness of stable occlusal splints in treating different types of temporomandibular joint disorders. Methods Patients with temporomandibular disorders who were treated in Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2021 to January 2024 were divided into two groups, myogenic group and arthrogenic group. The patients in both groups were treated with stable occlusal splint and were followed up at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment.The temporomandibular function score, occlusal force distribution balance degree, occlusal time, occlusal separation time, pain index and mouth opening degree were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was conducted using the t-test. Results Before treatment, there were no significant differences in temporomandibular function score, balance of occlusal force distribution, occlusal time, occlusal separation time, pain score, mouth-opening degree between the muscular group and the articular group(P>0.05). After treatment, temporomandibular function score, occlusal force distribution balance, occlusal time, occlusal separation time, pain score and mouth opening degree were improved in both groups compared with before treatment, and there were significant differences(P<0.05). Moreover, the temporomandibular function score, balance degree of occlusal force distribution, occlusal time, occlusal separation time, pain score and mouth opening degree of the arthrogenic group were significantly better than those of the musculogenic group after treatment(P<0.05). Conclusion The stabilization splint is effective in the treatment of TMD, and it is more effective in the treatment of articular TMD. The method is simple, safe and reliable.

Key words: stable occlusal splint, temporomandibular joint disorders, myogenic, arthrogenic