The Role of Acrylic Splints in the Orthodontic - Occlusal Treatment for Temporomandibular Disorders

摘要

The etiology of the TMJ disorders is a very controversial topic in the orthodontic literature. The symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, clicking and limitations of the mandibular movements. This pathology is also known as myofacial pain dysfunction and it appears to be more common in young female patients. Muscle hyperactivity, occlusal trauma and parafunctional oral habits are often associated with this syndrome. There are several noninvasive ways to treat this type of pathology (medication, removable appliances, TENS therapy) but the most common refers to acrylic splints. Nonpermissive or repositioning acrylic splints, that often include an acrylic bite plane, representthe most popular treatment alternative nowadays. These appliances can set the condyle in a centric relation in order to reduce muscle spasm, pain and the levels of cellular hypoxia.