The clinical study on the effect of occlusal splint on stomatognathic function in patients with severe tooth wear

Objective:To investigate the effect of occlusal splint on stomatognathic function in patients with severe tooth wear.Method:Occlusal splints were used to restore the occlusal vertical distance of 10 patients with severe tooth wear.The balance of occlusal force distribution,the EMG amplitude of the masseter and anterior temporal muscle,the stability of mandibular position and occlusion,the smoothness and symmetry changes in maximal mandibular movement,were detected and analyzed before and 1,3,6 months after using occlusal splints.Result:①The balance of occlusal force distribution,the stability of mandibular position and occlusion,the smoothness and symmetry changes in maximal mandibular movement,improved gradually after using occlussal splints.After 6 months treatment 80 % of patients recoverd to normal state.②EMG amplitude of the masseter and anterior temporal muscle at rest position reduced significantly after treatment(P 0.05).EMG amplitude of the masseter and anterior temporal muscle at clenching intercuspal postion were higher significantly in 3 months and 6 months groups than pretreatment group(P 0.05).Conclution:Within the observational period of 6 months,occlusal splint can improve stomatognathic function of patients with severe tooth wear.