TMJ disorders and occlusal splint therapy – A review

Interocclusal orthopedic appliances of varied design and application have been employed in the treatment of myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). These appliances provide the practitioner with a non-invasive, reversible form of intervention to manage the patient's symptoms. Sufficient credible literature exists to help provide an understanding of and a treatment protocol for the use of splints for temporomandibular disorders and bruxism problems The aim of this paper is to review different treatment options and various appliances reported in the literature available for treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder. It will also provide the practitioner with useful information that may be of assistance in the prediction of outcome and success of splint appliance therapy.