Effects of stabilization splints on the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders of muscular origin: A systematic review

Objective To assess effects of stabilization splints on signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders of muscular origin compared to other treatments. Methods A search for articles via six electronic databases and gray literature was conducted. The risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach determined the certainty of evidence. Results Ten articles were included. Stabilization splints (n = 160 subjects) were reported to be as effective as other treatments (n = 209 patients) on analyzed outcomes (pressure pain threshold, pain during chewing, mouth opening, spontaneous pain intensity and by palpation). Five studies were judged at low and five at some concerns of risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was very low for all outcomes. Conclusion Positive effect on signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders of muscular origin, when managed with stabilization splint, could not be confirmed or refuted.

Automated summary

There is no clear positive effect of stabilization splints on signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders of muscular origin compared to other treatments.