The efficacy of treatments for temporomandibular disorders with occlusal splints versus other conservative therapies: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE

Temporomandibular joint disorders can significantly impact individuals' physical and mental health. Conservative treatments are often recommended in the initial stage of the treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of occlusal splints compared with other conservative treatments.

STUDY DESIGN

Relevant literature published before 31 December 2023 was systematically searched through PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and EMBASE databases. Randomized controlled trials were selected for a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 18 articles which revealed that occlusal splints were not superior to other conservative therapy for pain management (0.03 [-0.14, 0.20], P=0.74) and mouth opening (-0.24 [-0.59, 0.11]; P=0.18) in patients. However, we found that occlusal splints were more effective than counseling in improving pain, and it was significantly more effective at improving mouth opening than the placebo occlusal splint and psychological counselling. In addition, occlusal splints significantly reduced the incidence of clicking (OR 0.39 [0.22, 0.67]; P=0.0006).

CONCLUSION

The meta-analysis has shown that occlusal splints reduce the incidence of clicking. Occlusal splints were more effective than counseling and placebo occlusal splints in improving pain and opening. The selection of appropriate treatment methods according to the actual situation of patients can improve treatment efficiency.