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Aims: To investigate the efficacy of the anterior repositioning splint and the canine-protected
splint in relieving the signs and symptoms of anterior disc displacement with reduction,
and to evaluate the effects of both splints on disc position using a standardized magnetic
resonance imaging measurement technique. Material and Methods: A sample of 18
adult subjects was studied. The joint disorder was dually diagnosed via pretreatment clinical
examination and magnetic resonance imaging. The sample was randomly divided into
two groups. In the first group, each subject received an anterior repositioning splint; in the
second group, each subject received a canine-protected splint. The treatment lasted 3
months. A standardized magnetic resonance imaging 10-step procedure was developed.
Posttreatment clinical examinations and magnetic resonance imagings were done. Pretreatment
and posttreatment records were statistically compared. Results and Conclusions: Both
types of splints were effective in eliminating pain and clicking. All magnetic resonance
imaging measurements showed that the canine-protected splint was superior to the anterior
repositioning splint, as it allowed the articular disc to resume its normal length and
shape while moving in a posterior direction toward recapture. Disc recapture was demonstrated
via magnetic resonance imaging in 25% of the subjects from the anterior repositioning
splint group, in 40% of the subjects from the canine-protected splint group, and in
33.3% of the subjects from both groups. Thus, noninvasive treatment techniques (such as
occlusal splint therapy) might be the treatment of choice for anterior disc displacement with
reduction. World J Orthod 2004;5:133–140.
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