Orthotics and orthodontics

Many doctors think of orthotics or occlusal splints in connection with temporomandibular joint dysfunction patients and treatments. Few think of occlusal splints or intraoral orthotics in conjunction with orthodontics as diagnostic instruments. This article will demonstrate a close association between intraoral orthotics for diagnostic purposes to establish a functional mandibular-maxillary relationship before or during orthodontic treatment. Orthotics allow the practitioner to establish and maintain a harmony between the joint structures, the muscles and the dentition. Orthotics establish the stable orthopedic relationship prior to orthodontic intervention and thus, the end point of treatment established prior to irreversible corrections and a diagnosis of cause-effect relationships can be determined. Properly relating the mandible to the maxilla allows the opportunity to determine the arch developmental requirements necessary to maintain this functional relationship.