Analysis of functional methods for determining the optimal position of the mandible

Abstract

Relevance. The subject of the research is to compare different functional methods for determining the optimal position of the mandible.

Purpose. To find the advantages and disadvantages of using various functional diagnostic methods to determine the optimal position of the mandible.

Materials and methods. We conducted a literature review of the functional methods for determining the optimal position of the mandible in the treatment of patients with temporomandibular disorders. Nowadays different methods are used, such as anatomical and physiological method, bilateral manipulation, front deprogrammer, graphic method, aksiography, kineziography, TENS et al.

Results. The method of bimanual manipulation and frontal deprogrammer determine the central relation when TMJ pathology is not expressed and the load test is negative. The graphic method evaluates the function of the temporomandibular joint, determines the optimal position of the mandible. TENS moves the lower jaw to a position of physiological rest. Kinesiography and Axiography determine the temporomandibular disorders and we can use them to dynamically monitor patients at all stages of treatment, monitor the determination of the optimal position of the mandible.

Conclusion. From the results of this study, we can conclude that there are a lot of methods of functional diagnostics of TMJ, which help to determine the optimal position of the mandible. Everybody can choose their own set of methods, that let reduce the number of non-examined patients with temporomandibular disorders.