title: Effect of occlusal splint on masticatory movement in healthy individuals.
abstract: To investigate the effects of wearing an occlusal splint on masticatory movements in healthy individuals, twelve healthy individuals were examined. A full maxillary stabilization splint made of heat-cured acrylic resin was fabricated for, and worn by, each individual for 24 hours. Masticatory movement was measured before and after the 24-hour period using a 3-D mandibular movement analyzing system. While the duration of a masticatory cycle+ did not change, the occlusal time significantly decreased after use of the splint. The lateral displacement of the opening phase to the balancing-side area also decreased after use of the splint, showing a vertical pattern of the opening path. Measurement in more healthy individuals and patients should help clarify the therapeutic mechanism of the splint in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koyano
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ogawa
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sumiyoshi
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tsukiyama
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ichiki
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Suetsugu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007574:Jaw Relation Record / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology; D008409:Mastication; D017090:Occlusal Splints / Q000009:adverse effects; D014716:Vertical Dimension