CHANGE OF POSITION OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT DISK WITH INSERTIONOF A DISK-REPOSITIONING APPLIANCE

Objective. We report alteration of the temporomandibular joint disk an d the condyle position through the construction of a mandibular full-c overage occlusal appliance (often referred to as a disk repositioning appliance). Study design, Forty-five joints with displaced disks with reduction were available for the study. We assessed these joints for d isk recapture and the change of disk position with insertion of the ap pliance using magnetic resonance imaging. Results, Of the 41 joints th at had a recaptured disk with insertion of the splint, 25 slid in a po sterior direction, although the amount of movement was negligible. No disk slid posteriorly in the joints without splint capture. Conclusion s, On the basis of our results, we conclude that many of the occasiona lly displaced disks might have moved backward with successful treatmen t involving a disk-repositioning splint. However, the amount of the mo vement was negligible.