Objective: To investigate the effect of soft occlusal splint in the treatment of condylar fracture in children and adolescents.
Methods: Twenty-three children with condylar fracture aged from 3 to 16 were included in this study. Impressions of both jaws were taken and stone working models poured. After occlusion was recovered by mounting on a bionic articulator, a soft occlusal splint was fabricated. The occlusal splint was worn for 1 to 3 months accompanied with functional exercise. Follow-up was carried out by clinical observation and panoramic image.
Results: Clinical satisfactory results were obtained in all the patients with good occlusion, unimpaired function and normal growth and development of the mandibles. Panoramic image showed reconstruction of the fractured condyles, which were flattened and short.
Conclusions: Soft occlusal splint is a promising approach for treating condylar fracture in children.