## 4 Discussion
To assess both condylar and occlusal relationships, articulator mounted models are recommended [41,42, 43]. In our study, all diagnostic cast were mounted into articulators at different stages of the treatment; initially in MI (T0M), in centric \"de jour\" (T0 CR), after splint wear in CR (T1) and following molar intrusion in CR (T2), therefore we could monitor condyle position. We found significant CR-MI disharmony between the screening mountings and the initial records. The discrepancy was even more expressed when we compared the initial models with the postsplint ones, where following reprogramming the neuromuscular avoidance patterns were not present making the condylar seating accurate. These results are in agreement with [PERSON] et al., who investigated the relationship between CR-MI discrepancy and TMD have found that CR-MI shift is strongly correlated with the signs and symptoms of TMD [3]. For TMD treatment, various methods have been used, including physio- and relaxation therapy, pharmacological interventions, arthroscopic surgery, behavioral and educational counseling and occlusal splints as well [44,45]. Pharmacologic therapies mainly aim to reduce pain and inflammation. There is growing interest for the use of polyphenols, however their beneficial effects on modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation remain highly limited due to their low bioavailability and bio-transformation [46]. A recent network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that hard stabilization splints in conjunction with counselling therapy can produce maximum benefit for TMD patients, furthermore, hard stabilization splint is far superior in patients with myogenous TMD [47]. Recently, randomized clinical trials have indicated that stabilization splints are superior to other treatments for TMD due to orthopaedic instability [34,44]. These splints are made of hard acrylic material, which can eliminate occlusal interferences, reduce abnormal muscle activity and therefore provide good neuromuscular balance. Splint therapy has been shown to be effective in changing the occlusal pattern of the teeth and improving the function of the masticatory system [35,45,48]. All patients included in the present study received full coverage acrylic splint therapy prior to the orthodontic treatment, in order to eliminate the signs and symptoms. Patients were instructed to full-time splint wear, as strong association between wearing time and effectiveness had been previously reported [47]. Following the splint wear altered occlusal relationship; AOB develops, which should be corrected. Molar intrusion is one of the most valid treatment approaches used for open bite corrections [49]. It has a similar effect to surgery in that sense that the upward molar repositioning autorotates the mandible in counter-clockwise direction (up- and forwards) and as an indirect consequence the incis relationships will improve as well. Compared to orthognathic surgery application of TADs requires no compliance, has low risk and morbidity, is less expensive and invasive and more acceptable by patients. Several studies investigated the biological processes involved in molar intrusion [50; 51]. In animal studies, alveolar bone and nasal/sinus floor remodeling without pulp vitality loss and clinically significant root resorption have been found to occur during and following molar intrusion [50; 51]. Furthermore, micro-CT studies of human teeth has also confirmed that root resorption following molar intrusion is clinically insignificant [19]. Moreover, [PERSON] et al. [23] demonstrated that molar intrusion has no negative effect on TMJ and masticatory system. According to these, in all subjects, TADs were used in order to correct AOB developed after splint wear. In our study, after intruding molars, mandibular counterclockwise rotation occurred toward closing the bite, which in turn induced up-and forward displacement of the B point as well as reduction in the ANB, mandibular plane angle and anterior facial height.