Review article

Michigan splint and treatment of temporomandibular joint

Tomislav Badel ; Department of Removable Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb
Sunčana Simonić-Kocijan ; Department of Prosthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka
Vlatka Lajnert ; Department of Prosthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka
Nikša Dulčić ; Department of Removable Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb
Dijana Zdravec ; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Clinical Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice, University of Zagreb, Zagreb

Abstract

Splints, in a broader sense, include various groups of removable intraoral appliances
which are used in biomechanical treatment approach and they help establish the neuromuscular
functional balance between different parts of the stomatognathic system. The aim of the
paper was to review the literature related to temporomandibular disorder (TMD) treatment
with special attention given to clinical importance and the fabrication of the Michigan splint. A
clinical case with a 9-year follow-up is presented within the framework of Michigan splint
practical use and an evaluation of TMD treatment success until now. Generally, in TMD treatment,
the principle of palliative medicine is preferred, which means treatment, control and
alleviating of temporomandibular pain. The principle of non-invasive and reversible methods
of treatment is preferred. The splint achieves a behavioral effect of self-awareness (cognition)
about the position, function and parafunction of the mandible as well as a placebo effect.

Keywords

magnetic resonance imaging; temporomandibular joint; treatment

Hrčak ID:

103477

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/103477

Publication date:

5.6.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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