TMD in Aligner Therapy: Functional Diagnosis and Clinical Strategies

TMD in Aligner Therapy: Functional Diagnosis and Clinical Strategies

Category: Orthodontics

Instructor(s): Nana Gezalova, Gabriele Gündel, Mike Racich

Course structure: Lessons: 4 lessons | Duration: 2 h 59 min

Course overview

This course provides a clinically focused approach to the diagnosis, treatment planning, and orthodontic management of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) using aligner therapy.

During the course, you will learn about:

Course lessons

Lesson 1: Functional Joint Space and Aging Jaws: Understanding TMD Development and Treatment

• Relationship between occlusal contacts, condylar position, and TMJ function
• Effects of malocclusion and disc displacement on the joint space
• Mechanisms and consequences of progressive joint-space narrowing
• Physiological aging changes of the jaws beginning around the age of 30
• Age-related changes in condylar position and joint morphology
• Symptoms and prevalence associated with aging jaws
• Relationship between aging jaws, malocclusion, and TMJ dysfunction
• Potential progression from physiological changes to temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
• Clinical assessment of the TMJ and joint space in orthodontic diagnosis
• Functional considerations for orthodontic treatment planning.

Lesson 2: Functional Aligner Therapy with Spark Aligners: A Treatment Concept for Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

• Determining and establishing the physiological condylar position
• Functional splint therapy and stabilization of the TMJ
• Transfer of the physiological joint position into Spark Approver
• Functional Aligner Therapy with Spark Aligners
• Spark features for maintaining condylar position during tooth movement
• Achieving functional occlusion while maintaining TMJ stability.

Lesson 3: Fundamentals of TMD in Orthodontics

• Modern concepts of TMD and the biopsychosocial model
• Differential diagnosis of muscular and joint-related disorders
• TMJ clicking, joint noises, and degenerative changes
• Occlusion and its role in orthodontic diagnosis and TMD management
• TMD screening, documentation, and medico-legal considerations
• Phased treatment protocol: diagnosis, stabilization, orthodontics, and retention
• Indications, limitations, and contraindications for aligner therapy in TMD
• Integration of aligners with physiotherapy and multidisciplinary care
• Occlusal control and TMD management throughout treatment
• Clinical checklists for orthodontic treatment of TMD patients.

Lesson 4: TMD Considerations and Clinical Strategies in Aligner Therapy

• Prevention and management of occlusal discrepancies, including posterior open bite
• Diagnosis and management of TMJ-related complications and pain during aligner therapy
• Aligner treatment following splint therapy
• Clinical methods for determining centric relation
• Treatment planning and step-by-step analysis of clinical cases.
• Course includes next lessons:
• 40min
• Lesson 1
• Exclusive Library
• Functional Joint Space and Aging Jaws: Understanding TMD Development and Treatment
• Gabriele Gündel
• Show lesson program
• 19min
• Lesson 2
• Exclusive Library
• Functional Aligner Therapy with Spark Aligners: A Treatment Concept for Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
• Gabriele Gündel
• Show lesson program
• 1h 3min
• Lesson 3
• Exclusive Library
• Fundamentals of TMD in Orthodontics
• Mike Racich
• Show lesson program
• 56min
• Lesson 4
• Exclusive Library
• TMD Considerations and Clinical Strategies in Aligner Therapy
• Nana Gezalova
• Show lesson program
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This online course is designed for dentists and dental professionals interested in orthodontics, clinical decision-making and evidence-informed dental practice.