This study compared the effect of two types of occlusal appliances on head posture, cervical symptoms and cervical range of motion in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) patients. Twenty-two subjects diagnosed with TMDs (Research Diagnostic Criteria) were randomly assigned to two equal groups: Group-I received a three-dimensionally balanced mandibular occlusal splint, while group-II received a mandibular occlusal splint, which maintained mandibular position. Head posture and cervical range of motion (CRM) were measured using the Cervical Range of Motion Instrument (Performance Attainment Associates, St. Paul, MN). Cervical symptoms were assessed using a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Measurements were recorded pre-insertion, 10 minutes post-insertion and two weeks post-insertion. A T-test showed that there was a significant change in head posture from pre-insertion to 2 weeks post-insertion in group-I (mean=4.7°, t _df=10=3.34, p=0.007) while there was no change in group-II (mean=0.41°, t _df=10=0.36, p>0.05). ANOVA showed that there was a significant effect for time in cervical symptoms in group-I F _df=3=9.95, p<0.0001 (mean=424.2 to 140.5 t=8.8, p<0.001) while there was no change in VAS scores in group-II, F _df=3=0.01, p>0.05, (mean=452.2 to 447.3 p>0.05). An ANOVA of CRM data showed a main effect for group-I, F _df=3=5.87, p=0.002 (mean=8.6 to 10.6, t=4.8, p<0.001). Group-II showed no change in CRM, F _df=3=0.91, p>0.05 (mean=8.7 to 9.1, p>0.05). It was concluded that different splints affect TMDs patients differently. The three dimensionally balanced splint reduced forward head posture and improved cervical symptoms and CRM significantly.

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