Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Occlusal Splints Fabricated in Different Temporomandibular Positions for Treatment in Temporomandibular Disorder Patients

The purpose of this randomized control trial was to compare the efficacy of splints fabricated in maximum intercuspation position and bite plane induced occlusal position with splints fabricated in centric relation (control group) in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. 30 patients with Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), were randomized into three groups by computer generated random sequence. Thus, 10 patients were allocated to any of the three groups–Splints fabricated in biteplate induced occlusal position, splints fabricated in maximum intercuspation and splints fabricated in centric relation. The variables-pain, head position and amplitude of mandibular movements were measured before insertion of splints and later after one week, one month and three months of treatment. There was statistically significant reduction in pain (p<0.05) after three months of treatment, statistically significant improvement in maximum mouth opening and head position within the three splint groups. The splints fabricated in three different mandibular positions were equally effective in reducing the symptoms in temporomandibular disorder patients.