Aspects on Structure of Materials Used for Different Types of Occlusal Splints

Abstract

Occlusal splint therapy can be defined as the art and science of reestablishing the neuromuscular balance of stomatognatic system and creation of a mechanical disadvantage for parafunctional forces with the help of removable appliances. The aim of the study was to identify the structure, the role and the types of occlusal splints that are efficient in the treatment of different forms of dysfunctional syndrome of stomatognatic system. The study sample comprised 49 subjects, 17 males and 32 females, aged between 12 and 73 years; the patients benefited by specific treatment of stomatognatic system dysfunctions in the last three years in Clinic of Gnatho-prosthetics, Dental General Hospital No. 1 of Iasi. We have used occlusal splints manufactured from transparent material (acrylic resin) that can be flexible or rigid. The rigid resin was the first material of choice, and the occlusal splints can be made with occlusal cover: partial or total. These can be applied on mandible or maxilla. From the sample taking under study, we have searched the efficiency of both types of appliances made-up from hard acriylic resin, and respectively, soft thermoforming occlusal splints. Also, we appreciated the importance of chemical structure of material used in elaborating the appliances. The results had the following distribution: only 19% of subjects observed a real improvement of their status, the percentage being relatively small. The response to treatment applied was swifter and with better results in the patients which obeyed to the given indications, and wear a type or another of the occlusal splints. Thus, from the entire batch, a percentage of 42% totally followed the indications, 30%, only partially, and 28% have not obeyed; the results appear proportional with the consideration conferred. The occlusal splints, hard or soft, used in treatment of dysfunctional syndrome are an ideal method, because only in the conditions we could talk about quality dental therapy. In most of the cases, therapy should be associated with drug and symptomatic therapy.