A comparison of electromyographic activity between anterior repositioning splint therapy and a centric relation...

The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles (temporal and masseter) with the use of an anterior repositioning splint and a centric relation superior repositioning splint. Twenty-six consecutive patients, who referred with the chief complaint of temporomandibular pain and/or headache were selected from one of the author's practices. All these subjects were diagnosed as having internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Ten normal subjects were used as controls. Surface electromyographic recordings were taken of each subject prior to the beginning of clinical therapy for the patients. The results show significantly less masseter and temporal muscle activity with anterior repositioning splint therapy compared to the centric relation superior repositioning splint therapy.