Occlusal stabilization appliance: evaluation of its efficacy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

RESUMO OCCLUSAL STABILIZATION APPLIANCE. EVALUATION OF ITS EFFICACY IN THE TREATMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS PLACAS ESTABILIZADORAS.AVALIAÇÃO DE SUA EFICÁCIA NO TRATAMENTO DAS DISFUNÇÕES TEMPOROMANDIBULAREScclusal stabilization appliances or splints are the most widely employed method for treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most indicated imaging modality to evaluate the components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Forty patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders were treated with splints for a mean period of 12 months, comprising regular semimonthly follow-ups. After stabilization of the clinical status, occlusal adjustments and MRI evaluation were performed. It was concluded that the success of this kind of treatment are related to the total (70%) or partial improvement (22.5%) of painful symptomatology and to the functional reestablishment of the craniomandibular complex. The MRI allowed evaluation and also the conclusion that the splints provide conditions for the organism to develop means to resist to the temporomandibular disorders by means of elimination of several etiologic factors. Moreover, after treatment the patients are able to cope with disc displacements with larger or smaller tolerance. Uniterms: Temporomandibular disorders; Occlusal stabilization appliance; Magnetic resonance imaging. placa estabilizadora é o mais difundido método de tratamento das disfunções têmporo-mandibulares. A Ressonância Magnética (RM) é o exame mais indicado para a visualização dos componentes da Articulação têmporo-mandibular (ATM). Quarenta pacientes com sinais e sintomas de disfunções têmporo-mandibulares foram tratados com as placas estabilizadoras por um período médio de 12 meses, com controles periódicos quinzenais. Após a estabilização do quadro clínico foram realizados ajustes oclusais e a avaliação por meio da RM. Concluímos que os melhores resultados dessa modalidade de tratamento são relacionados à melhora total (70%) ou parcial (22,5%) da sintomatologia dolorosa e ao restabelecimento da função do complexo crânio-mandibular. A RM permitiu avaliar e concluir que as placas possibilitam condições para que o organismo possa criar meios resistentes às disfunções da articulação têmporo-mandibular por meio da eliminação de vários fatores etiológicos. E que após o tratamento, os pacientes podem conviver com os deslocamentos do disco, alguns com maior, outros com menor tolerância.

Clinical Validity of the Protocol for Multi-Professional Centers for the Determination of Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders. Part II

“…The occlusal splint has been the treatment of choice, since it is a conservative method with no contraindications as reported in previous studies. 19,26,[29][30][31] Exercise therapy has also been long indicated for the treatment of TMD 32,33 in combination with other therapeutic modalities such as an occlusal splint, 17,34 or alone. [35][36][37][38][39][40][41] Exercise therapy usually consists of passive and active movements of the mandible, 37 correction of body posture, and relaxation techniques, [39][40][41] as well as patient education.…”

Addressing the Gaps: Therapeutic and Prognostic Considerations in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthrosis

“…It did not help in improving range of movement [17]. Wahlund et al [27] Occlusal appliance, relaxation training Tanaka et al [28] Occlusal stabilization appliance…”

“…Cone beam CT offers a comprehensive view of TMJ bony components as it reproduces images in all the three planes [26]. The role of oral appliance therapy in the treatment of TMJ osteoarthritis is debatable as certain studies have found resolution of pain with the use of these appliances [27][28][29] while others found them ineffective30. The conservative reversible techniques and stabilization procedures offer best results in long run [31,32].…”

Esthetics and function: a return to the basic concepts: case report

“…Some clinical and decisionmaking considerations must guide the therapy: thickness of tooth tissue removed (enamel or dentin), level of wear (supragingival or intrasulcular), substrate shade, maintenance of pulp vitality, use of intraradicular retainers, crown/root proportion, type of restorative material, type of cement, method of fabricating ceramic restorations, occlusal pattern, and parafunctional habits [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] . In view of the foregoing, the aim of the present study was to present a moderately complex clinical case, treated by integrating the areas of periodontology, endodontics and prosthodontics, emphasizing the importance of knowledge about the biological, mechanical, occlusal and esthetic principles that govern oral rehabilitation.…”