Long-term treatment of disk-interference disorders of the temporomandibular joint with anterior repositioning occlusal splints

Forty patients with three different types of symptomatic disk-interference disorders were treated with anterior repositioning splint therapy for 8 weeks. At the end of that period 80% of the patients were free of joint sound and pain. Each patient's splint was then gradually modified until the patient's original occlusal condition was reestablished. Each patient was then allowed to function in that position. The patients were reevaluated an average of 2 1/2 years later. Seventy-five percent of the patients had no joint pain and 66% had a return of joint sounds. Sixty-six percent of the patients did not find the need to seek additional treatment for jaw pain and dysfunction.