Evaluate Accuracy of Three Methods to Fabricate Occlusal Splints

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to evaluate, clinically and instrumentally, the accuracy of three methods to mount casts in a semi-adjustable articulator to fabricate occlusal splints: with arbitrary face-bow, with Camper's plane, and with a plane parallel to the ground. METHODS: Ten young adults of both sexes, with complete dentition and without TMD signs and symptoms, were selected. For each person, we made three different appliances, one for each technique. To mount the three mandibular casts, we used only one polyvinylsiloxane register. To manufacture the appliances, we used an acetate plate with planes of acrylic resin slides. The occlusal contacts obtained for each appliance were digitalized. The three appliances were randomly adjusted by an experienced clinician until the same contacts as previously obtained in the articulator were achieved. To calculate the rate of success of the techniques, we compared the numbers of contacts at the first step of the installation, after the third adjustment, and the total amount of adjustments. RESULTS: The results showed that there were no differences among the three methods. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the three techniques evaluated were good for manufacturing occlusal appliances.