Journal
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
Volume 87, Issue 9, Pages 877-881Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/154405910808700903
Keywords
biomechanics; magnetic resonance imaging; stress; mechanical; occlusal splints; temporomandibular joint disorders; temporomandibular joint
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Funding
- University of Zurich [325200-110067]
- Swiss National Science Foundation, Berne, Switzerland
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Occlusal splints are used for the management of temporomandibular disorders, although their mechanism of action remains controversial. This study investigated whether insertion of an occlusal splint leads to condyle-fossa distance changes, and to mandibular rotation and/or translation. By combining magnetic resonance images with jaw tracking (dynamic stereometry), we analyzed the intra-articular distances of 20 human temporomandibular joints (TMJs) before and after insertion of occlusal splints of 3 mm thickness in the first molar region. For habitual closure, protrusion, and laterotrusion in the contralateral joint, occlusal splints led to minor - yet statistically significant - increases of global TMJ space and to larger increases at defined condylar areas. Condylar end rotation and translation in habitual closure were reduced. Hence, the insertion of a 3-mm-thick occlusal splint led to a change in the topographical condyle-fossa relationship, and therefore to a new distribution of contact areas between joint surfaces.
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