Background: Temporomandibular joint are two joints connecting temporal bone and mandible. Temporomandibular disorders are clinical disorders involving the temporomandibular joint, muscles of mastication, and associated structures. Manifestation of TMD include limitation in jaw movement, joint sound (clicking), and pain around the TMJ. About 60–70% of the general population has at least one sign of TMD, but only 5% of them seek the treatment. The management of TMD consists of reversible treatment and irreversible treatment. In this study, we will discuss about occlusal splints therapy and low level laser therapy which are part of reversible treatment.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the effect of occlusal splints therapy and low level laser therapy for reducing pain and dysfunction in patient with TMD.

Methods: Systematic literature review used literature search methods in electronic databases: PubMed, ProQuest and Google Scholar. The keywords were “(occlusal splints therapy OR occlusal stabilization) AND (low level laser therapy OR laser therapy) AND (temporomandibular joint disorder).” The inclusion criteria for selection scientific article were publication from 2012-2022, published in English and full paper available.

Results: 6 articles have been included in this review. Occlusal splints therapy and low level laser therapy produced similar result in the treatment of TMD. The results demonstrated a reduction in pain level, joint sound, improvement in muscle function and mouth opening for both group.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that occlusal splints therapy was as effective as low level laser therapy.

Fauziah Cantika Koto