Objective To compare the stress distribution in TMJ for patients withSbilateral anterior disc displacement with reduction after wearing stabilization splints of two different thicknesses during prolonged clenching using finite element models. Methods Three dimensional finite element(FE)models were constructed based on the CT and MRI image data when the patient was biting in maximum intercuspation, on the splint of 3mm and on the splint of 5mm, respectively .Then the stress distributions in the articular disc and cartilages were analyzed after maximal masticatory force loaded to each model for 60s. Results The value of Von Mises stress of each model in the left TMJ was bigger than the right one. When the disc was not reduced after wearing a 3mm splint, the peak of Von Mises stress was located at the posterior band of the disc. The highest stress in TMJ was bigger than the model without a splint；With a 5mm splint on, the right disc was recaptured, the highest von Mises stress was located at the intermediate zone of the disc. The equivalent stress of articular cartilage and bilaminar zone decreased by about 40%. But the left disc was not reduced after wearing a 5mm splint, the equivalent stress of articular cartilage and bilaminar zone was only slightly lower compared with the model without splints. but decreased significantly compared with the model with a 3mm splint. Conclusion TheSloadSon TMJSmay be directly proportional to the degree of articular disc displacement. Only stabilization splints of enough thickness can reduce TMJ stress in ADDWR patients. Disc recapture is a key factor for ADDWR patients to unload TMJ. When selecting a stabilization splint for the treatment of ADDWR patients, choose a thicker one if possible.