The Thickness of the Occlusal Splint in TMJD Treatment

Abstract

In a serious attempt to decrease the rate of failure of treatment of disorders of the temporomandibular joint and orofacial pains, there was a need to look for the factors that cause failure. Judged by the factors discussed, it becomes evident that compliance with use of the splint is a significant factor, and it may perhaps be rated as the most important element in the success of the treatment. Having looked into the reasons for compliance and noncompliance, there have been several reasons, including the health awareness in patients and the educational and social standards of such patients. In most cases, treatment of such health aware and educated patients have faced failures. Having enquired from many of them, they answered, “The occlusal splint causes social and speech problems to us” What is the thickness of the splint, which may be acceptable to the patient from both social and speech points of view and that, is likely to achieve for him the best results at the level of clearing the symptoms? The comparison made between the three dimensions: 1.5mm, 2.5mm and 3.5mm with regard to the applied splint to three groups have drawn a study. We found that the 1.5mm thickness was the most favorable among patients who strictly adhered to its application. Nonetheless, that thickness did not yield great success at the level of regression of the symptoms. The 3.5mm thickness, on the other hand, was least comfortable for patients, where they failed to adhere to its application and did not leave any chance to the symptoms to retreat and recover, although these symptoms had retreated very satisfactorily in patients who complied with its use in a short span of time. The 2.5mm thickness was acceptable to patients and yielded higher rates of success at the level of retreat of symptoms.