This section is for participants in the teleconference to post their questions.

The B Splint is useful for rapid harmonization of occluso-muscle disorders. Its effectiveness is due to decreased muscle activity of the Lateral Pterygoids, Medial Pterygoids, Masseters, and Temporalis muscles created by malocclusion and/or parafunction (bruxism). Clinical EMG studies consistently show up to an 80% reduction in elevator muscle activity due to clenching.

This presentation will highlight key points in understanding TM joint design and function while relating TM joint condition to occlusal therapy, orthodontic treatment, restorative dentistry, orthognathic surgery or any combination of these treatment modalities.

In order to obtain diagnostic images, an accurate prescription with detailed information will assist the radiology team in providing an accurate representation of the TM joint.

The typical "Dawson" splint is a upper or lower full coverage splint that has even centric relation contacts both anteriorly and posteriorly, with anterior guidance that allows immediate posterior disclusion.

It is definitely much more difficult to equilibrate mobile teeth. Often several (2-4) short, touch up appointments may be needed to complete the equilibration, so plan accordingly.

Lee raises a good question...

I would like to respond to a question regarding opening the vertical dimension of occlusion in an implant case. First of all, the VDO is determined by the repeated contracted muscle length of the masseter muscles.

Studies have shown us that the earbow/facebow transfer very accurately duplicates the hinge axis of the joints--to within a millimeter.