The American Dental Association stated that 34% of the population of the U.S. suffers from TM dysfunction. Dentists have the prime responsibility to diagnose and treat this common disorder. TM disorders are progressive and worsen over time; therefore, just like orthodontics, it is imperative that the problem be treated as early as possible. When patients present with structural problems (anteriorly displaced discs) within the TM joint, then the dentists must become involved to rectify this problem by using splint therapy to obtain a more stable jaw relationship. When a patient has a clicking TMJ two splints are prescribed. The lower repositioning splint is worn during the daytime to recapture the anteriorly displaced disc. The night anterior deprogrammer is used to prevent bruxing.
