Role of hydrostatic occlusal devices in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) – An overview

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), an integral component of stomatognathic system, is considered very unique because of the rotation and translation happening inside the same joint and is under the influence of various muscles and ligaments. Pain, clicking and functional impairment give a clue regarding the underlying temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD is a multifactorial and complex condition and is very difficult to diagnose and treat. Splints or occlusal devices are most often indicated for the management of TMDs. Rigid occlusal splints act by disengaging occlusion, restoring vertical dimension of occlusion, relaxing muscles and by unloading or repositioning TMJ. Hydrostatic self-adjusting splints help mandible to find its ideal position automatically. Unlike solid splints, hydrostatic splints like ‘Aqualizer’ eliminates the element of guesswork in treatment because of its inherent ability to relieve pressure on the TMJ.