Occlusal therapy of neuromuscular problems in the orofacial region.

Neuromuscular problems in the orofacial region are often caused by a disturbance of the occluso-articular relation. It is therefore often possible to alleviate the symptoms by appropriate occlusal corrections. However, since there is no guarantee of success in treatment, particular store is set by initial therapy with a programmed functional splint, which is without risk of introducing irreversible changes. This splint incorporates the essential features of the occlusion and is at the same time programmable to reposition malpositioned condyles. Definitive treatment measures are justified only when the symptoms have completely disappeared and when the position of the mandible has been controlled and fixed for a relatively long period.