Splint Therapy Flashcards
Routinely used in treatment of TMD
Removable acrylic resin appliances
Covers the teeth on one arch
Alters occlusal relationships
Redistributes occlusal forces
Orthopedic Appliance
Therapy
Point of initial tooth contact when
the condyles are guided along the
posterior slope of the articular
eminence into their most superior
position on jaw closure
Synonyms: centric relation
occlusion, retruded contact
position
Centric Relation (CR) = Retruded
Contact Position (RCP):
mandibular position
with the most complete
interdigitation of
opposing teeth
independent of
condylar position
Synonyms: maximum
intercuspal position
(MIP), maximum
intercuspation,
intercuspal position
Centric Occlusion (CO)
= Intercuspal Position
(ICP):
How much posterior clearance in molar region is needed?
3 mm
Treats masticatory muscle & TMJ pain and
dysfunction
Alters functional relationships in the TMJ
Prevents tooth wear & mobility
Reduces bruxism & parafunction ?
Appliance therapy
We believe that the
_____ decreases adverse
loading forces on the
TMJ and muscles of
mastication which can
cause trauma &
inflammation resulting in
pain.
splint
Effective in
pediatric patients
Less effective in
adults
Protects teeth from
trauma
Does not decrease
bruxism; may
increase bruxism in
adults
May be helpful for
short-term use
Inexpensive
Soft splint
Effective in pediatric
patients and used for
MIXED DENTITION
because it is SOFT and
will not block the
eruption of the
permanent teeth
Useful in treating:
Myalgia, Arthralgia,
and
clenching/bruxism
Less effective in adults
Protects teeth from
trauma
Does not decrease
bruxism; may increase
bruxism in adults
May be helpful for
short-term use
Inexpensive
Soft splint
◦ Treats muscle and TMJ Disorders :
myalgia, myofascial pain,
arthralgia and clenching
Acrylic flat plane stabilization
splint
◦ Treats anterior disc displacement
without reduction & intermittent
non-reduction
◦ Has indexing or indentations
holding jaw anteriorly to reduce
inflammation on the posterior
attachment reducing acute pain
Anterior Repositioning Splint:
- Acrylic (hard) splint with flat-
plane occlusion; clasps add
retention OR acrylic with flex
liner (hard/soft splint) - Must cover all of the maxillary or
mandibular teeth - Hard appliance reduces
symptoms more quickly &
effectively than soft splint - Good for bruxism/clenching
- Reduces symptoms in 70-90% of
TMD’s
Stabilization splints
How long during day should pt wear splints?
8-12 hours a day
How many weeks should effects of splint therapy be noticeable to pt?
3-4 weeks up to 2 months
Which splint has indexing?
Anterior repositioning splint
Indications
Anterior disc displacement without reduction with
significant pain in TMJ
Anterior disc displacement with intermittent non-
reduction (catching)
Primarily indicated for ACUTE TMJ pain associated with
disc displacement with reduction
Anterior Repositioning Splint
