Occlusal stabilization splint for patients with temporomandibular disorders: Meta-analysis of short and long term effects.
BACKGROUND
Psychological discomfort, physical disability and functional limitations of the orofacial system have a major impact on everyday life of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). In this study we sought to determine short and long term effects of stabilization splint (SS) in treatment of TMDs, and to identify factors influencing its efficacy.


METHODS
MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SS to: non-occluding splint, occlusal oral appliances, physiotherapy, behavioral therapy, counseling and no treatment. Random effects method was used to summarize outcomes. The effect estimates were expressed as odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analyses were carried out according to the use of Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD) and TMDs origin. Strength of evidence was assessed by GRADE. Meta-regression was applied.


RESULTS
Thirty three eligible RCTs were included in meta-analysis. In short term, SS presented positive overall effect on pain reduction (OR 2.08; p = 0.01) and pain intensity (SMD -0.33; p = 0.02). Subgroup analyses confirmed SS effect in studies used RDC/TMD and revealed its effect in patients with TMDs of muscular origin. Important decrease of muscle tenderness (OR 1.97; p = 0.03) and improvement of mouth opening (SMD -0.30; p = 0.04) were found. SS in comparison to oral appliances showed no difference (OR 0.74; p = 0.24). Meta-regression identified continuous use of SS during the day as a factor influencing efficacy (p = 0.01). Long term results showed no difference in observed outcomes between groups. Low quality of evidence was found for primary outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
SS presented short term benefit for patients with TMDs. In long term follow up, the effect is equalized with other therapeutic modalities. Further studies based on appropriate use of standardized criteria for patient recruitment and outcomes under assessment are needed to better define SS effect persistence in long term.
Department for Medical Statistics and Informatics, School of Dental Medicine University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
Jovana
J
Kuzmanovic Pficer
Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
Slobodan
S
Dodic
Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
Vojkan
V
Lazic
Department for Medical Statistics and Informatics, School of Medicine University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
Goran
G
Trajkovic
Department for Medical Statistics and Informatics, School of Medicine University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
Natasa
N
Milic
Department for Medical Statistics and Informatics, School of Dental Medicine University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
Biljana
B
Milicic
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D016017:Odds Ratio; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome