Assessment of condylar position in asymptomatic individuals before and after neuromuscular deprogramming with a stabilization splint

Introduction/Objective. Deprogramming of the neuromuscular system with the use of stabilization splint might provide more precise evaluation of the centric relation (CR) – maximum intercuspation (MI) discrepancy. The study aimed to evaluate the differences between the bite registrations obtained in the CR before and after the application of the stabilization splint therapy. Methods. The sample included 48 non-deprogrammed individuals without any apparent signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The neuromuscular system was deprogrammed by employing stabilization splint therapy. A condylar displacement evaluation was performed on vertical, horizontal, and transverse planes of space, with the assistance of a condylar position indicator. Results. The mean values of condylar displacements, which were obtained after the deprogramming of the neuromuscular system, were significantly greater than those obtained before neuromuscular deprogramming for vertical condylar displacement (p < 0.0001). A greater degree of condylar distraction was observed on the left side of the vertical plane before (p < 0.01) and after neuromuscular deprogramming (p < 0.05). The highest level of condylar displacement occurred in the postero-inferior direction subsequent to the muscle deprogramming. Conclusion. It was observed that the level of average condylar displacements was significantly higher following the deprogramming of the neuromuscular system compared to that recorded before neuromuscular deprogramming using stabilization splint therapy. A more precise orthodontic diagnosis could have been obtained if the condyles were placed in a more exact CR position by muscle deprogramming.