title: Occlusion splint therapy in patients with craniomandibular disorders (CMD).
abstract: The etiology of craniomandibular disorders (CMD) is multi-factorial and the treatment should be selected with recognition of the different factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occlusion splint therapy (Michigan splint), physical exercises and transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) on CMD symptomatology. At the Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery in Belgrade, in the period from May, 2001-December, 2003, 168 patients were examined by the CMD working group. This group, comprised of different specialties (maxillofacial surgeon, prosthodontist, orthodontist, neurologist, psychiatrist and physiatrician), enabled multidisciplinary treatment of CMD patients according to the guidelines given by American Academy for Craniomandibular Dysfunctions. In all, a total of 30 patients with prevalent muscular tensions among other CMD symptoms were included in this study. The examination form according to Fricton and Shiffman for Craniomandibular Index (CMI) was used in order to evaluate the function of Craniomandibular system before and after therapy.A statistically significant difference (t = 8,735; P < 0,001) between the average values for CMI of patients before (0,2297 +/- 0,0827) and after therapy (0,1002 +/- 0,0479) was observed. Performed treatment resulted in complete response (pain relief and absence of CMD symptoms and signs) in over than 80% of patients and could be considered as a method of choice in reversible occlusal therapy.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro. vskvita@sbb.co.yu
authors.forename: Vitomir S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Konstantinović
authors.forename: Vojkan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lazić
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017271:Craniomandibular Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000628:therapy*; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D004867:Equipment Design; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000145:classification / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome