The role of mandibular repositioning splint in the orthodontic treatment of patients with TMJ dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the effectiveness of mandibular repositioning splints in the young and adult patients with TMJ dysfunction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 23 adult and 14 adolescent patients with TMJ dysfunction selected by Helkimo's index and the criteria of the American Academy of Craniomandibular disorders. RESULTS: upon anamnestic follow up, almost a total disappearance of the functional pain was reported by all patients, while for the headache, a cyclic onset was present, but with an uncertain etiology. Patients had a complete control of the mandibular movements with some articular sounds. But a modicum of muscular tenderness remained possibly due to the psyche of the patient. DISCUSSION: the prevalence of dysfunction in the growing patients was an intriguing observation. Not Angle's classification, but the presence of open bite, deep bite, or unilateral cross was the significant etiological factors.