A modified dynamic mouth splint for burn patients.

The prevention and management of microstomia contracture is very important for the quality of life in a patient who has experienced facial burns. Mouth opening is important for speech, eating, dental hygiene, expression, social interaction, psychosocial well being, and administrating general anesthesia. Principles of scar management state a need for opposing horizontal, vertical, and circumferential forces for effective management of microstomia. At the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, horizontal and circumferential stretch was provided well; however, a suitable vertical stretch component was required. After a literature review, we introduced and trialed a dynamic mouth splint. Subsequently, a modified dynamic mouth splint was developed. The presentation here of four case studies will demonstrate that the use of the splint in combination with current practice has improved mouth opening and consequently functional outcomes.