title: Effect of occlusal retainers on temporomandibular joint and facial pain.
abstract: The etiology of TMJ syndrome is usually multifactorial. The anatomic structures which may be involved are the dentition, the masticatory muscles, and the TMJ itself. The etiologic region is usually the dentition and its occlusal relationships. The symptoms are usually minimized during treatment, and a high percentage are eliminated. Among the diagnostic symptoms, the deviation of the mandible to the opposite side from the occlusal interference is the most frequent objective symptoms. The lateral pterygoid muscle is usually involved if the patient has (1) occlusal interference and (2) lateral deviation of the mandible. The clinical response in this study to the occlusal splint and occlusal adjustment indicate that 88% of muscle involvement improved and that 84% of the TMJ syndrome responded favorably to the occlusal splint.
mesh_terms: D002012:Bruxism / Q000628:therapy; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy; D059408:Pain Management; D011626:Pterygoid Muscles; D013035:Spasm / Q000628:therapy; D013165:Splints; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*