Does occlusal splint affect posture? A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an occlusal splint on body posture of intra-articular temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders patients.

Methods

The study was performed on 45 women affected by TMJ disorders divided into an occlusal splint group and a control group. Rasterstereographic recordings were performed at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months, in order to analyze the following postural parameters: trunk inclination, cervical and lumbar arrows, kyphotic and lordotic angles, trunk imbalance, pelvic tilt and torsion.

Results

Regarding the postural parameters in the intragroup analysis, no significant differences were detected. The analysis between the two groups revealed significant differences concerning the cervical arrow, the kyphotic and lordotic angles.

Discussion

Even if some differences were found between the control and the occlusal splint group, the low range of statistical significance made these results not significant from a clinical point of view.

KEYWORDS:

• Temporomandibular disorders
• body posture
• rasterstereography
• occlusal splint

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in the preparation of the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by C.I.R. Dental School, University of Torino, Italy.