1986 Volume 30 Issue 1 Pages 88-99
A new type of high vertical dimension splint (HV splint) has been designed and produced. The HV splint, when set on either the maxilla or the mandibule, provide a minimum of 10mm of interocclusal space between the upper and lower first premolars and allow only the molar regions to come in contact during centric relation and eccentric movement. Such splints were applied in 92 patients with temporomandibular arthrosis. A very satisfactory result of 90.3% in effectiveness was obtained after follow-up observation for three months. The recovery ratio classified by symptoms and the ratio of effectiveness by age group of the patients test for the HV splint were as follows:
A. Recovery ratio by symptoms observed at the first visit;
() shows the number of patients.
(1) TMJ pain during biting (35) 91.4%
(2) Movement pain with opening and closing mouth (63) 84.1%
(3) Restricted opening with pain (26) 92.3%
(4) Restricted opening without pain (8) 62.5%
(5) Joint noise (43) 65.2%
B. Ratio of effectiveness by age group:
(1) 10-19y (18) 94.4%
(2) 20-29y (22) 95.5%
(3) 30-49y (26) 76.9%
(4) 50 and over (26) 96.2%
The following items were discussed to be the possible mechanisms by which HV splint affected symptoms:
(1) The neuromuscular resting point on BT-EMG was realized at interocclusal distance of 10mm as described by Manns.
(2) The tempromandibular joint was extended downward.
(3) Free movement of the mandible was made possible with elimination of overbite.
