EFFECT OF OCCLUSAL SPLINT ON MASTICATORY MOVEMENT IN HEALTHY-INDIVIDUALS

To investigate the effects of wearing an occlusal splint on masticator y movements in healthy individuals, twelve healthy individuals were ex amined. A full maxillary stabilization splint made of heat-cured acryl ic resin was fabricated for, and worn by, each individual for 24 hours . Masticatory movement was measured before and after the 24-hour perio d using a 3-D mandibular movement analyzing system. While the duration of a masticatory cycle+ did not change, the occlusal time significant ly decreased after use of the splint. The lateral displacement of the opening phase to the balancing-side area also decreased after use of t he splint, showing a vertical pattern of the opening path. Measurement in more healthy individuals and patients should help clarify the ther apeutic mechanism of the splint in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders.