[The management of temporomandibular joint disorders. The role of occlusal splints].

Occlusal appliances are often used for the diagnosis and treatment of pain and dysfunction related to the mastication system, despite the lack of a precise diagnosis. We reviewed the indications for occlusal appliances, classing them by accepted procedures for precise diagnosis. The type of appliance to use for each pathological situation is described. Conditions other than those described here do not, in the author's opinion, constitute warranted indications for occlusal appliances.