CHEWING MOVEMENTS IN TMD PATIENTS AND A CONTROL-GROUP BEFORE AND AFTER USE OF A STABILIZATION SPLINT

Purpose: This study assessed the effect of using an occlusal stabiliza tion splint in the maxilla for 6 weeks on certain parameters of chewin g movements in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorder sy mptoms. Materials and Methods: Twelve male and 30 female temporomandib ular disorder patients with and without a prior whiplash incidence, an d individuals without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder s participated. The participants formed three groups matched according to gender and age (n = 3 x 14). A maxillary stabilization splint was used during sleep for 6 weeks. An optoelectronic system (MacReflex, Qu alisys) was used to record chewing movements at baseline, before using the splint, and after 6-weeks' use of the splint. Calculated paramete rs were the duration of the chewing cycles, the spatial displacement, and the mean velocity of the mandible while chewing paraffin wax for 2 0 seconds. Results: On a group basis, the use of an occlusal stabiliza tion splint for 6 weeks did not change the jaw movement parameters in a predictable pattern as recorded under the conditions of this study. On an intraindividual basis, large variations in changes of chewing pa rameters over time were observed. Conclusion: The use of an occlusal s tabilization splint for 6 weeks did not alter the jaw movements when c hewing a substance with a soft consistency.