Occlusion in temporomandibular disorders: treatment after occlusal splint therapy

The concept of using the condylar path as the reference for occlusion is questionable for the patient whose temporomandibular joint has pathological changes because the condylar path of TMD patient deviates greatly. After occlusal splint therapy it is suggested that the patient's occlusion be treated using the Twin-Stage Procedure which does not require measurement of the condylar path. The research findings that occlusion controls the condylar path seems to support the concept that if the dentist creates the occlusion properly, the condylar path may be corrected and thereby minimise the micro-trauma which causes TMD.