Stabilization Splint Compared to other Occlusal Splints in the Management of TMD – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control trials.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55995/p9af1a89Keywords:
Temporomandibular Disorders, Occlusal Splint, Stabilization splint, Pain intensity, range of movement, joint soundsAbstract
ABSTRACT Background. There is no comprehensive evidence comparing the effectiveness of stabilization splints to other occlusal splints in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). While splints, including stabilization splints, are commonly used as a noninvasive treatment approach for TMD, the exact mechanisms and their effectiveness in managing these conditions remain an area of concern. Aim. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of stabilization splint compared to other occlusal splints in the management of temporomandibular disorders. Material and methods. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ebsco database was conducted to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The outcomes were Improvement in TMD symptoms and a decrease in Pain intensity, tenderness, maximum mouth opening, clicking sound, etc. The meta-analysis, accompanied by a random effect model and 95% credible intervals, was calculated. Results. Thirteen RCTs (n=599 participants receiving splints for temporomandibular disorders) were included. Stabilization splints were compared with other occlusal splints in this review. There was a statistically significant difference seen between the change in pain intensities from baseline in stabilization splint group as compared to other types of splint groups. The results indicated that the stabilization splint group was more effective at reducing pain intensity over time than the various occlusal splint groups. In contrast, there was no notable difference in the change of maximum mouth opening from the baseline within the stabilization splint group when compared to other types of splints. Both splint groups demonstrated a comparable increase in maximum mouth opening over time. Conclusions. Stabilization showed a greater decrease in pain intensity from baseline than other occlusal splints.
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