TITLE:
Effect of Different Splint Thicknesses on Occlusal Function and Temporomandibular Joint Sounds: A Clinical Report
AUTHORS:
Yuyao Tang, Hefei Li, Yuming Chen, Lisha Zhu, Hong Kang
KEYWORDS:
Bruxism, Splint, T-Scan®III, JVA, Bite Force
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Stomatology,
Vol.8 No.12,
December
12,
2018
ABSTRACT: Background: Occlusal splint therapy, which is a conservative
approach to treat temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and bruxism, can change the occlusal contact of
dentition. However, little is known about the variation in bite force and temporomandibular
joint (TMJ) sounds. The objective of this case report is to compare the effects
of different splint thicknesses constructed by vacuum lamination technology on occlusal
function and TMJ sounds. Clinical Presentation: This study presents a
24-year-old male with bruxism. Four splints of different thicknesses (0.6 mm, 1
mm, 2.5 mm and 3 mm) were fabricated and tested. Then, an array of occlusal
data were recorded and analyzed by the T-Scan®III system and joint vibration analysis (JVA). Conclusion: The results reveal that
splints of different thicknesses manufactured by the vacuum hot-lamination
apparatus may cause a change in occlusal force.