Patients allocated to the counseling group (Group I) were informed about possible etiological factors and educated to not overload the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. Techniques to relieve pain and tension were taught to correct postural habits, food and sleep irregularities. The patients received written instructions, as a way of reinforcing the information provided during the initial consultation. In subsequent returns at 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of follow-up, the instructions were given again and patients were asked whether they had detected any habits related to the initiation and maintenance of painful symptoms of TMD, as a way to further highlight the association between the presence of these harmful behaviors and the worsening signs and symptoms of TMD.

Patients allocated to the splint group (Group II) were treated using interocclusal appliances, according to the following protocol: At baseline, an anterior bite plate (front-plateau) was made from acrylic resin that was placed in the maxillary arch to include the the canine to canine region and promote the disocclusion of the posterior teeth. Patients were instructed to use the device for 24 hours, interspersed with rests of equal length during the first week. After 7 days, the device was removed. A hard splint was then made. At 30 days of follow-up, the splint was fitted and the patients were also asked to use it when they were sleeping.

Patients were informed of their condition and possible etiological factors contributing to the pathology. They were also educated about the postural rest position of the mandible and instructed to perform bilateral chewing and not overload the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. Techniques to relieve pain and tension were taught to correct postural habits, food and sleep irregularities. The patients received written instructions for future reference, as a way of reinforcing the information provided during the initial consultation.

Visual Analogue Scale

Oral Health Impact Profile

Temporomandibular Index