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Abstract

Objectives:To evaluate the success rate of soft and hard splints in managing pain and restricted mouth opening in myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) and internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Materials & Methods:A total of 50 patients diagnosed with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome or signs of internal derangement were selected for this study. They were divided into two groups. Group A was treated with vacuum-formed splints (soft splint group) whereas group B was treated with acrylic resin splints (hard splint group). The total treatment period for both groups was four months. Patients were recalled at 1, 2, 3 and 4-month intervals. Pain scores, recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the range of mouth opening was also recorded at regular intervals. Data were compared between groups and within groups. Pain scores of less than 2mm on the VAS and a mouth opening of more than 38 mm were parameters for sufficient treatment. Results:Difference in pain scores between the two groups were statistically significant at 1month (P=0.01) and three months (P=0.00). The difference of mouth opening using hard and soft splints was not statistically significant at all months (P≥0.29).Conclusion:A soft splint is more effective in relieving the pain of TMD than a hard splint. There is no difference in two types of the splint in relieving restricted mouth opening.