[Application of occlusal splint for the patient with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. An application of silane coupling treatment: a case report].

The bite plane therapy has been one of the most useful treatment methods for patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. But the bite plane usually causes esthetic and articulation disturbances and it is occasionally difficult to use during mastication. The authors have fabricated a new type of bite plane, named occlusal splints, which covers each side of the premolars and molars. The occlusal splint was constructed by a hard-resin for the occlusal part and cast clasps for the retentive part and these parts were adhered after a pre-treatment of metal by the use of a silane coupling agent (Silicoater system). The patient was a 35 year-old man, with a chief complaint of left side reciprocal TMJ clicking. The anterior repositioning type of bite plane was applied for the treatment with the diagnosis of anterior disk displacement with reduction. But he complained of esthetic and articulation disturbances especially during working and eating. After four months we fabricated an occlusal splint that can be used for a long period of time. The patient was satisfied to use this occlusal splint and no symptoms of TMJ dysfunction were found with this appliance. It is suggested that the occlusal splint consisting of a hard-resin and cast clasps is a useful appliance especially for the purpose of use during working and eating, and for evaluating the properness of mandibular position.