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Abstract
This study evaluated the use of a fixed orthodontic appliance in treatment of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) compared to the use of an intra-oral splint. Fifty (50) adult patients, with confirmed anterior disk displacement with reduction in at least one temporomandibular joint (TMJ), were divided into three groups: 20 patients treated with AR splint (Group I); 20 patients treated with a fixed orthodontic appliance (Group II) and 10 patients who underwent no treatment (Control Group). Joint pain, joint noise, muscle pain, and subjective relief were evaluated monthly before the treatment began (T0) and for six months thereafter. Subjects in Group I and Group II displayed a significant decrease in joint pain (p<0.01) from T2 and in muscle pain from T1 (p<0.01) to T6. Subjects in Group I showed a higher decrease in the frequency of joint noise (p<0.05) from T1 to T6, compared with Group II. At T2 and T3, the patients in Group II reported a significantly lower discomfort level associated with the devices than subjects treated with the AR splint (p<0.05). However, at T5 and T6, this observation was inverted. The use of a fixed orthodontic appliance seems to be as efficacious as the use of an AR maxillary splint in the treatment of joint pain and muscle pain, but not in the treatment of joint noise. These results are valid, at least for the short-term clinical results (first six months of treatment). Clinical implications for long-term use are not clarified by these results.
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Notes on contributors
Simona Tecco
Dr. Simona Tecco received her D.D.S. degree in 1999 from the faculty of Dentistry, University of Chieti, Italy. Since 1999, she has been a staff member of the Department of Orthodontics and Gnathology, School of Dentistry at the University of Chieti. She is currently working toward a Ph.D. in oral science at the same university.
Stefano Teté
Dr. Stefano Teté received his D.D.S. at the University G. D’Annunzio, Chieti/Pescara, Department of Oral Science) and is an associate professor of oral surgery at the same university. He has authored many articles on the relationship between oral surgery and orthodontics.
Vito Crincoli
Dr. Vito Crincoli is a researcher at the University of Bari. He also collaborates with the clinical hospital in Bari. He is the author of many scientific articles on the relationship between oral pathology and treatment.
Mario Armando Festa
Dr. Mario Armando Festa is a student at the University La Saienza Roma. He is an expert in radiographic diagnosis of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). He has authored many scientific articles on TMD.
Felice Festa
Dr. Felice Festa is director of the Department of Orthodontics and Gnathology, School of Dentistry and a professor of orthodontics at the University of Chieti, Italy. He is also director of the postgraduate program in clinical gnathology and orthodontics. He received his M.D. and D.D.S. degrees at the University of Rome in 1979 and 1982 respectively. He earned an M.S. degree in orthodontics in 1985 at the University of Cagliari. In 2001 he was nominated National Referee Professor in orthodontics at the National College of Professors. Dr. Festa has many published research articles in his field.