Comparison of the effectiveness of soft and hard splints in the symptomatic management of temporomandibular joint disorders: A randomized control study

Abstract Aim Splint therapy is a well‐established modality in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). We aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of hard and soft splints in the symptomatic management of TMDs using the modified Helkimo index. Methods This study included 91 patients diagnosed with TMDs. Participants were randomly allocated into two treatment groups. All these patients were treated by hard or soft stabilization splint therapy. Group 1: hard splint group, n = 42 (mean age ‐ 31.62 ± 8.5 years), 10 males and 32 females; group 2: soft splint group, n = 49 (mean age ‐ 32.86 ± 9.06 years), 13 males and 36 females. The anamnestic and clinical dysfunction component of the modified Helkimo index was used to evaluate the outcomes at baseline (T 0 ), first month (T 1 ), and third month (T 2 ). Results Symptoms such as clicking of the joints, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and muscle pain showed improvement in both groups ( P < .05). Restriction and deviation of mouth opening did not show significant improvement in either group. The patients who underwent hard splint therapy showed an early improvement of symptoms at T 1 ( P < .05). However, there was no statistical difference in the improvement of symptoms between hard and soft splints at T 2 . Conclusion Both hard and soft stabilization splints were effective in the symptomatic management of TMDs. However, hard splints provide an earlier reduction of symptoms.