[Effects of the occlusal splint on stress distribution of the mandible with temporomandibular joint disorders].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the biomechanical mechanism of occlusal splint therapy of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).


METHODS
The changes of stress distribution on the mandible with TMD before and after occlusal splint therapy were simulated and analyzed by three-dimensional finite element method.


RESULTS
Occlusal splint influenced the character of stress distribution on the mandible. It might distinctly decrease maximum and minimum principal stresses on each region of the mandible with TMD, among which the stress on condylar surface of ill side was reduced more significantly, and the stress distribution of bilateral condyles was close to equality and balance. Meanwhile, the stress symmetry on every position of the mandible was improved slightly.


CONCLUSIONS
Occlusal splint can alleviate even eliminate the injury to the temporomandibular joint, and make unbalance of joint inner environment adjusted and restored by improving the stress distribution. This is primarily thought to be one of the main biomechanical mechanism of occlusal splint treatment.
Hu
K
K
Department of Stomatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
Zhou
J
J
Liu
H
H
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000503:physiopathology; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000628:therapy*