FEATURES OF OCCLUSAL THERAPY IN FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions are known as being highly prevalent, having multifactorial etiology, progressive course, and high recurrence rate. This combination of features typical of this pathology places it among pressing medical issues nowadays. The variety of concepts and approaches to the analysis of the etiopathogenesis of TMJ dysfunction causes a particular interest in both highly informative diagnostic techniques and functional methods of treatment. A complex pathological morphofunctional syndrome involving parafunctions of masticatory muscles, dysfunctional TMJ states and occlusal disorders ultimately leads to deformation and a low functional disproportion in the TMJ kinetics. The work analyzes the reports on the research of various occlusal splints, and in particular, the mechanism of their action, classification of their effectiveness in various types of TMJ disorders, advantages, and disadvantages of splints, as well as materials used for their manufacturing. It is important to emphasize that the choice of the optimal therapeutic approach to internal TMJ disorders should be chosen taking into account the position of the mandibular condyle, the nature of the articular disk displacement, the presence or absence of pain, its possible causes, and concomitant local and general aggravating factors. The study was performed as a part of the research project of the Department of Orthopaedic Dentistry, Danylo Halytskyi Lviv National Medical University.