Chewing Movements in TMD Patients and a Control Group before and after Use of a Stabilization Splint

Purpose: This study assessed the effect of using an occlusal stabilization splint in the maxilla for 6 weeks on certain parameters of chewing movements in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorder symptoms. Materials and Methods: Twelve male and 30 female temporomandibular disorder patients with and without a prior whiplash incidence, and individuals without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders participated. The participants formed three groups matched according to gender and age (n = 3 × 14). A maxillary stabilization splint was used during sleep for 6 weeks. An optoelectronic system (MacReflex, Qualisys) was used to record chewing movements at baseline, before using the splint, and after 6-weeks' use of the splint. Calculated parameters were the duration of the chewing cycles, the spatial displacement, and the mean velocity of the mandible while chewing paraffin wax for 20 seconds. Results: On a group basis, the use of an occlusal stabilization splint for 6 weeks did not change the jaw movement parameters in a predictable pattern as recorded under the conditions of this study. On an intraindividual basis, large variations in changes of chewing parameters over time were observed. Conclusion: The use of an occlusal stabilization splint for 6 weeks did not alter the jaw movements when chewing a substance with a soft consistency.