title: Patient responses to vacuum formed splints compared to heat cured acrylic splints: pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Vacuum formed and heat cured acrylic splints have been used in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient's preference to either the vacuum formed or the heat cured acrylic splint.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients planned to receive splints were chosen from the dental school. Both types of occlusal splints were fabricated for each of them. Each patient used the splints alternatively on a nightly basis for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, each patient completed a questionnaire regarding the comfort, fit, retention, occlusal contact, taste, gingival and lip irritation, smoothness and smelling. Statistical analysis was conducted by the MacNemar's Chisquare test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistical difference in patient's responses to the different splint materials except for the comfort of wearing through the night.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The vacuum formed and heat cured acrylic splint may be equally worn in patient preference for treatment of temporomandibular disorders.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Dept. of Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey  ; Faculty of Dentistry Dept. of Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, University of Istanbul, Capa - Istanbul, 34093 Turkey.
authors.forename: Aysen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nekora
authors.forename: Gulümser
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Evlioglu
authors.forename: Arzu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ceyhan
authors.forename: Haluk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Keskin
authors.forename: Halim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Issever
keywords: Heat cured acrylic splints; Patient comfort and quality of life; Temporomandibular disorders; Vacuum formed splints