The Measuring Method of the Mandibular Head Movement in Wearing Occlusal Splints

Abstract

Occlusal splints are often use as a basic dental treatment for TMD patients. There are various types of occlusal splints according to the aims of treatment.
Their forms and occlusal contacts are effectively adjusted to the purpose of each splint, but the load on TMJ must not be too much when we use occlusal splints.
We have to examine accurately the load for TMJ wearing these splints during clenching to ensure the normal and stable occlusal conditions.
For this purpose we made a system which is built up by the modified pantgraph to measure easily the response of the condyle during clenching, with the occlusal splint on the occlusal surface. And we examined the actual condylar positions with this system.
And we had some results as follows.
By using this system, it was able to measure the condylar position in wearing occlusal splints, easily.
According to the result form the 2 subjects who were performed this examination, the distance and direction of condylar movements in wearing splints during clenching, there were some differences among the kinds of splints and the kinds of occlusal contact on the surface of splints.