European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

American academy of orofacial pain stated that, TMD is referred as a combined term taking up a variety of clinical problems that involve the masticatory musculature, the TMJ and associated structures or both.
A variety of therapeutic modalities have been proposed for the management of TMD‟s, such as orthopaedic stabilization, intraoral appliances, behavioural therapy, physiotherapy, pharmacological modalities and jaw exercise and collective treatment [1]. “Splint” can be several apparatus, appliance or device employed to provide stabilization or support of teeth or bones, or generally to resist motion or displacement of fractured or 
injured structures (Glossary of orthodontic terms). [2] Classification of occlusal appliances. According to Okeson [3] is Stabilization appliance, Anterior repositioning appliances (ARA) and other types such as Anterior/Posterior bite plane, Pivoting appliance, Soft/ resilient appliance (silicone) . There are different methods for fabrication of appliances and it will depend on the type of appliance‟s mode of action. Different materials are available to make these appliances. Flexibility of appliance will depend on the material used (acrylic, transparent thermoplastic material). Different splints have different drawbacks which should be taken into consideration before delivering it.
A 1990 survey of a random sample of 10,000 members of the American Dental Association (with a 25 percent response rate) identified splint therapy as the most used treatment modality.
Purpose of this study is to review information regarding different studies carried out to see which type of splints used in treatment of TMD and to give clinician proper splint that can be deliver for specific problem. This article, review's the narrative in relation to Occlusal Splint in Management of Temporomandibular disorders (TMD).