Predictable Functional Occlusion: Roth Philosophy, Masahiro Kuwata Protocols and TMJ‑First Concept
Predictable Functional Occlusion: Roth Philosophy, Masahiro Kuwata Protocols and TMJ‑First Concept
Course overview
During the training, you will hear lectures from outstanding Japanese specialists who are rightfully considered masters of their profession: Sadao Sato, Kazumi Ikeda, Satoshi Aoki, Shimpei Sonoda, and Taiichi Maekawa!
You will study working protocols within the Roth philosophy, occlusal plane, and functionally discluded occlusion concepts, applied with digital and conventional therapeutic approaches.
The following topics will be covered during the training:
Functional TMJ and harmonious orthodontic treatment according to the TMJ-First concept
Orthodontic treatment of patients with malocclusion and TMJ dysfunction
Occlusal reconstruction with consideration of jaw function: controlling mandibular position, occlusal plane, and occlusal vertical dimension
Occlusal adjustment techniques based on functionally discluded occlusion according to the protocols of Masahiro Kuwata
Digital protocol for sequential occlusion: workflow within the concept of Rudolf Slavicek.
Course lessons
Lesson 1. TMJ and Occlusion. Roth Philosophy in Orthodontic Treatment
Defining the goals of orthodontic treatment according to Roth philosophy
Treatment planning from the seated condylar position
Defining the normal position of the temporomandibular joint’s articular disc
Function of the temporomandibular joint’s articular disc
Protocols for centric relation bite registration
Stages of disc displacement
Analysis of clinical cases.
Lesson 2. Functional TMJ and harmonious orthodontic treatment
Protocols to harmonize the bite and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
How to diagnose the condition of the TMJ: history, chairside examination, mounted models, imaging (MRI and CBCT)
Stability of jaw position in clinical practice
Analysis of jaw position before and after orthodontic treatment using MRI, CBCT, and mandibular movement records
Treatment protocols for patients with disc displacement (DD)
The effect of jaw position stabilization on mandibular growth
Application of the stabilization splint before and during orthodontic treatment.
Lesson 3. Occlusion Based on the Functionally Discluded Concept by Masahiro Kuwata
Analysis of the first full-mouth reconstruction case using the functionally discluded occlusion concept by Masahiro Kuwata
Basic principles of functionally discluded occlusion
Defining centric relation, centric relation occlusion, and intercuspal position
Occlusion and the relationship between the upper and lower dentition in a static position
Relationship between the upper and lower dentition in dynamic positions and the occlusal pathway.
Lesson 4. Occlusal Adjustment Techniques Based on Functionally Discluded Occlusion
Protocols for achieving stability of occlusion
Physiological occlusion in clinical practice
Examination and diagnosis of occlusal disharmony
Step-by-step procedures for occlusal adjustment in cases of disharmony
The concept of the “Area of Centric”
Trim-off adjustment and add-on adjustment in full-mouth cases
The importance of immediate disclusion in restorative teeth
Analysis of clinical cases.
Lesson 5. Internal Derangements of the TMJ: Diagnosis and Occlusal Considerations
History and evaluation of the new gnathology concept
The relationship between occlusal development and maxillofacial development
Defining the therapeutic mandibular position
Arthrography of disc and condyle derangement
Effects and sequelae of internal derangement of the TMJ
Diagnosis of internal derangement and condylar displacement
Frequency of internal derangement in orthodontic patients
Defining centric relation in cases of TMJ derangement.
Lesson 6. Reference Therapeutic Position (RP-ThP) Concept
Reference position (RP-ThP Concept)
Diagnosis of mandibular deviation and temporomandibular disorders
Diagnosis of internal derangement of TMJ
Occlusal plane and mandibular position:
Occlusal plane alteration and mandibular adaptation
Posterior occlusal plane and occlusal support
Distance between occlusal plane and condyle support
Flat and steep posterior occlusal plane and the risk of TMD.
Lesson 7. Role and Effectiveness of Orthodontics in the Treatment of Malocclusion and TMJ Dysfunction
Protection of the TMJ by occlusion
Efficacy of orthodontic occlusal construction in the treatment of TMJ disorders
Step-by-step treatment protocols for TMD using orthodontic and functional therapy
Analysis of clinical cases.
Lesson 8. Functional Occlusion: Comprehensive Diagnostic Protocols
Designing sequential, functionally guided occlusion in clinical practice
Diagnosis of skeletal patterns
Examination of jaw function
Diagnostic protocols considering functional occlusion
Protocols for model analysis using the articulator
Analysis of cephalometric radiographs
Step-by-step diagnosis of occlusion using analog and digital workflows
Analysis of clinical cases.
Lesson 9. Occlusal Reconstruction with Consideration of Jaw Function
Protocols for controlling mandibular position and the occlusal plane
Protocols for determining occlusal vertical dimension
Purpose of pre-prosthetic orthodontics
Strategic leveling
Orthodontics using MEAW
Prosthetic treatment planning
Follow-up after occlusal reconstruction treatment.
Lesson 10. Digital Protocol for Sequential Occlusion: Working with the Concept of Rudolf Slavicek
Introduction to protocols of sequential occlusion within the Slavicek philosophy
Protocols for using the virtual articulator: techniques for simulating dynamic occlusion
Digital facebow mounting protocols: methods for transferring spatial jaw relations
Protocols for digital simulation of proper mandibular position: using condylography and jaw tracking
Workflow and protocols for creating digital dentures in sequential occlusion
Protocols for designing occlusal surfaces digitally: techniques for cusp-fossa coordination
Integration of protocols into clinical cases: examples and digital techniques applied
Q&A session.
