THE PATTERN OF SPLINT USAGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF 2 COMMON TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS .1. THE ANTERIOR REPOSITIONING SPLINT IN THE TREATMENT OF DISC DISPLACEMENT WITH REDUCTION

Objective To examine whether the anterior repositioning splint is suit able treatment for temporomandibular joint disc displacement with redu ction and to determine the most appropriate pattern of usage. Design P rospective random control clinical trial. Setting Dental school clinic unit. Subjects Three groups of patients were treated, wearing the spl int either during the day or at night or all the time. Results 69% of patients could be classed as improvers, by subjective and objective as sessments, at final review (3 months after treatment with an anterior repositioning splint). 88% of patients who wore the splint for 24 hour s per day improved over the 3-month period; this improvement was stati stically significant when compared with the other two groups. Conclusi ons An anterior repositioning splint is an appropriate method of treat ment for disc displacement with reduction. Patients should wear the sp lint 24 hours a day.