Phase II rehabilitation of the temporomandibular joint dysfunction patient

Treatment of pain and dysfunction of the craniomandibular apparatus commonly follows one of two courses, not necessarily independent of each other. In many patients, treatment involves both appliance and non-appliance modalities. A thorough and careful diagnostic evaluation of the patient will help the dentist to select the proper modality of treatment. Following successful Phase I therapy, the patient is now prepared for Phase II therapy, a more definitive treatment stage. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with the rationale and principles underlying the stabilization and rehabilitation direction of Phase II therapy, emphasizing the prosthodontic and orthodontic perspectives.