Analysis of hardware methods of treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Objective. To conduct a comparative analysis of effectiveness of treatment of patients with dysfunction of temporomandibular joint (DTMJ) using hardware methods of treatment with occlusive mouthguards of various types. Materials and methods. 99 patients (88 females and 11 males aged 41,2 ± 10,7) with different combinations of revealed and confirmed signs of DTMJ were examined from 2013 to 2023. According to the personal clinical picture, complaints revealed, aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease all the patients of the comparison group and 2 main groups (99 patients) were administered individual complex treatment for DTMJ. The treatment was aimed at the elimination of pain, relief of masticatory muscles spasm, improvement of the extent of opening of mouth, correction of the lower jaw position, occlusive interference elimination and restoration of height of the lower third of the face. While carrying out the hardware treatment, occlusive mouthguards of 3 types were made based on the jaw model of the patients. The models were got from the silicone imprints of the jaw. Results. MR images of temporomandibular joints of the 99 patients showed that ventral dislocation of articular disk occurred most frequently (in 88 patients). Less frequently (4 % of cases) it was combined with dislocation of the disk laterally. Rarely distal dislocation of the articular disk occurred – 1,9 % of cases (2 patients). Study of the results of the appliance of different types of occlusive mouthguards demonstrates the necessity to work out the types of occlusive devices allowing decompression of temporomandibular joint elements, centering lower jaw position and orthodontic elimination of dentofacial abnormalities and deformities which lead to occlusive interference. Conclusions. Analysis of occlusive devices used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with DTMJ shows that the most effective devices are those that successfully combine elements of splints with a narrower purpose.