title: Occlusal splint therapy with a positioning orifice.
abstract: The authors studied the effect of a positioning orifice introduced in the anterior palatine region of occlusal splints for patients with craniomandibular disorders of swallowing and speech patterns. The patients were evaluated in four distinct situations. It was concluded that the splint orifice significantly favored swallowing and speech while the splint was being used, and is more comfortable for the patient.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: de Felício
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Mazzetto
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Hotta
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Pacheco
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D017271:Craniomandibular Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000503:physiopathology; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology; D014059:Tongue / Q000503:physiopathology