Temporomandibular Disorders Treatment with Correction of Decreased Occlusal Vertical Dimension

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The term decreased occlusal vertical dimension refers to the reduced distance between two anatomical points while the teeth are in a state of occlusion. The development of this situation is about some parafunctional activities of the masticatory system.AIM:To evaluate the value of decreased occlusal vertical dimension in cases with temporomandibular disorder and to follow up the influence of corrective treatment with occlusal splints and definitive prosthetic construction upon the elimination of clinical symptoms.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Eight cases with decreased occlusal vertical dimension accompanied with temporomandibular disorders were treated with an occlusal splint, as part of reversible occlusal treatment. After reducing, or complete elimination of the symptoms related to problems of decreased occlusal vertical dimension, the definitive prosthetic therapy was performed.RESULTS:The mean value of decreased occlusal vertical dimension in our patients is 8.5 mm, and the mean value of therapy time with an occlusal splint in these patients was 3.5 months.CONCLUSION:Occlusal splint is a part of reversible occlusal therapy in cases with decreased occlusal vertical dimension. After reducing the symptoms related to decreased occlusal vertical dimension definitive prosthetic therapy can be done.

Occlusal splints-types and effectiveness in temporomandibular disorder management

“…Parafunctional muscle activity such as clenching or teeth grinding can decrease the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO), leading to TMDs. As a part of reversible occlusal therapy, the occlusal splint is beneficial in cases of decreased VDO ( Guguvcevski et al, 2017 ) and reduces the majority of the signs and symptoms associated with TMDs ( Chandu et al, 2004 , Torii, 2011 ). Reduced VDO can be treated and corrected by increasing the distance between the teeth using occlusal splints ( Li et al, 2010 ).…”

“…Reduced VDO can be treated and corrected by increasing the distance between the teeth using occlusal splints ( Li et al, 2010 ). After restoring the VDO with the splint, definitive prosthetic treatment can be provided ( Guguvcevski et al, 2017 ).…”

Trends of Occlusal Appliance Therapy among Resident Dental Surgeons

“…As highlighted earlier that there is a huge ambiguity across the literature that has reflected upon participants and may lead to failure of treatments and outcomes and reported in earlier literature. 4,16,17 A major loop hole in assessing the outcomes of occlusal appliance on management of TMDs is that the assessment is mostly subjective, which mostly relate to decrease of symptoms as reported by the patient. 10,18 Thus, there is a dire need of revisiting this important and crucial aspect of minimal intervention dentistry.…”

Alteración De La Dimensión Vertical: Revisión De La Literatura.

“…El trastorno temporomandibular es una enfermedad con etiología multicausal. Muchos factores externos pueden estar directamente involucrados en la génesis de este trastorno, no sólo una alteración de la DVO 18 .…”