Temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Report of a case

Occlusal bite splint therapy and the application of sound principles of functional occlusion resulted in a definitive diagnosis and successful orthodontic re-treatment of a patient with chronic disorder of the left temporomandibular joint. This case report demonstrates that latent mandibular growth and orthodontic retention can produce anterior premature centric contacts. The anterior prematurities prevented the posterior teeth from occluding without the left condyle first dislocating from the glenoid fossa. Occlusal bite splint therapy allowed the mandible to move to a position of greater maxillomandibular stability, illustrating the need for anterior freedom for the mandible. The patient became asymptomatic 1 month after slight intrusion and changing of the axial inclination of the maxillary incisors, which provided a freedom of centric occlusion and allowed the condyle to seat in the fossa. TMJ radiographs supported the clinical findings.