title: [Jaw position in stabilization splint treatment of musculoskeletal disorders].
abstract: Stabilization splints are often used to treat musculoskeletal disorders of temporomandibular joints. Historically, the centric relation is advocated as the reference position for a stabilization splint. Centric relation as the reference position is subject of discussion, since this position has been defined for a healthy stomatognathic system. In case of temporomandibular disorders, the temporomandibular joints and muscles are compromised. Apart from degenerative changes in all components of the temporomandibular joints, the presence of pain may influence the establishment of a therapeutic position. In this article the biological plausibility of the centric relation as a reference position in patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders, is discussed. It is advocated to maintain the existing occlusion.
authors.affiliation: zorglijn Gnathologie, zorgeenheid Mondziekten, Kaakchirurgie en Bijzondere Tandheelkunde, divisie Heelkundige Specialismen van het Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht. m.h.steenks@med.uu.nl
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Steenks
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: The
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Aaftink
mesh_terms: D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*