Splints

A majority of dentists believe that splint therapy is reversible treatment and that anything done directly to the dentition is irreversible. Splint therapy is not reversible treatment, especially if the anatomy in the joints are actively breaking down or if there is failed growth and development.

While a splint may reduce muscle spasms and pain, it can also interfere with the body’s natural process of tooth intrusion and wear. Some patients who have been in appliances for several weeks or months may develop an open bite deformity after the splint is removed.

When a patient is managed without splint therapy, then they have a better opportunity to maintain adaptation of the occlusion (bite). A patient is more likely to adapt their dentition to condylar regressive remodeling (bone loss) or fossa ramus dimensional loss if a splint is not use.

Orthodontics

Probably more often the joint is already injured before the commencement of orthodontic treatment. Some Orthodontic treatments may strain the ligament attachments in the TMJ. The disk can also be displaced depending on the patients bite, leading to loss in joint dimension.

• Crowns
• Veneers
• Bite Surgery

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