Temporomandibular disorders and occlusion: an appliance to treat occlusion generated symptoms of TMD in patients presenting with deficient anterior guidance.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are of multifactorial origin. If it is determined that the patient's occlusal scheme is a contributing factor to their TMD symptoms, it is accepted that reversible, noninvasive procedures be instituted at the outset of treatment. Splint therapy conforms to this guideline, offering temporary, reversible alteration of the occlusal scheme in order to provide this relief. In a mutually protected occlusion, the posterior teeth accept the occlusal force of closure, while the anterior teeth separate the dentition during excursive movements. The purpose of the disclusion splint described in this article is to eliminate muscle hypertonicity, along with its ensuing problems. This is accomplished by establishing a mutually protected occlusion via the guide planes created by the acrylic portions of the splint, but not compromising the patient's "freeway" space.