• Siriya Pakanimit, D.D.S.
• Atinuch Malakul, D.D.S. (Hons), M.S., Dip., Thai Board of Occlusion and Orofacial Pain
• Suknipa Vongthongsri, D.D.S. (Hons), Dip., Thai Board of Oral Diagnostic Sciences (Occlusion)

Objectives To investigate short-term compliance rate in the usage of stabilization splint in temporomandibular
disorders (TMD) patients and to analyze the difference in compliance rate classified by the
treatment outcome of occlusal splint therapy.

Materials and methods A prospective observational study was conducted. The sample group
consisted of 90 TMD patients receiving stabilization splint treatment in the Department of Occlusion,
Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University during January to June 2016. Patients were asked to
complete a questionnaire during a period of 14 days after splint insertion in order to determine the
compliance to occlusal splint therapy, experience of adverse effects and perceived treatment outcomes.
Comparison of compliance rates classified by the treatment outcomes was carried out with one-way
ANOVA and LSD post-hoc test.

Results The response rate was 96%. The mean compliance rate was 88%. The majority of patients
(51%) reported that they did not wear splints every day. Forgetfulness was the main reason for not
using, followed by adverse effect (tooth pain). The compliance rate in patients with improved symptoms
was higher than in groups with unchanged or worse symptoms (p < 0.05). The compliance rates in the
groups with unchanged and with worse symptoms were similar (p = 0.3). The compliance rate was
significantly and positively associated with the percentage of symptom improvement (p = 0.01).

Conclusion A high compliance rate with stabilization splints in TMD patients was found. Compliance in
the group with improved symptoms was higher than in the groups with unchanged or worse symptoms.

(CU Dent J. 2017;40:1-12)