OCCLUSIVE THERAPY OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS
The paper presents an analysis of research by a number of Russian and foreign authors devoted to the study of various occlusal splits, in particular, the mechanisms of their work, classification, their effectiveness in various forms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lesions, the advantages and disadvantages of individual splits and materials, used in their manufacture. It should be noted that the use of occlusal splits in the complex treatment of TMJ disorders allows to achieve the normalization of spatial relations of intra-articular structures and to eliminate the chronic mechanical trauma of TMJ tissues. The choice of the optimal treatment method of the TMJ internal disorders is made with account of the nature of mandibular movements, of the joint disc displacement, the pain syndrome, its possible causes, and the presence of local and general aggravating factors. The dissipating appliances allow the joint disc to be positioned physiologically correctly relative to the mandible head and therapy eliminate the prerequisites for the TMJ dysfunction development. According to both Russian and foreign researchers, the use of dissipating appliances contributes to an increase in the effectiveness o conservative treatment of the TMJ dysfunction, as well as to the prevention of complications such as secondary osteoarthritis and uncontrolled displacement of the joint disc.