Pantographic records on TMJ dysfunction subjects treated with occlusal splints: a progress report

Five subjects with TMJ dysfunction showed difficulty in making reproducible mandibular border movements as recorded by a pantograph. These subjects were treated with occlusal bite splints, and muscle activity was studied by electromyography. After one month of treatment, most subjects showed relief of clinical symptoms and improved EMG muscular activity. Most of the subjects' mandibular movements did not improve to the point of making reproducible border movements on a pantograph. The length of time and the type of treatment may have had a significant effect on the results. This should be investigated further.