[The occlusal bite splint and its effect on the centric relation of the maximal opening and closing movement in cases of temporomandibular joint syndrome].

Nine patients presenting temporo-mandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome were treated with occlusal bite splints made of acrylic resin, which eliminated premature contacts and occlusal interferences. Results were obtained with an extra-oral apparatus, of personal conception, which allowed to amplify and register maximum opening and lateral deviation in the frontal plane. The study has shown that this treatment brings: - an elimination of pain and muscle spasms - an increase in maximum opening - a decrease in lateral deviation - a marked but partial decrease in articular noises.