Digital Motion Tracking For Tmj Disc Displacement With Closed Lock

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement is the most common type of TMD, classified into anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and without reduction (ADDwoR), distinguished by whether the disc recovers to a normal disc-condyle relationship during opening. Disc displacement with closed lock, an intermediate state, involves transient limited mouth opening due to obstructed condylar movement. Restoring proper disc-condyle alignment is key for such cases. A patient reported 5 months of limited mouth opening with left TMJ pain, preceded by 3 years of joint clicking. Recently, left-sided locking worsened. Examination revealed restricted opening, right joint clicking, and left TMJ tenderness. Passive stretching caused pain, but TENS relaxation improved mandibular mobility. Guided right deviation triggered a left joint click, immediately increasing opening. Zebris electronic arch analysis and imaging confirmed the diagnosis. A digitally fabricated anterior repositioning splint was used, significantly alleviating symptoms after 3 months. The success of repositioning splints hinges on identifying the optimal mandibular position to eliminate symptoms. Electronic arch tracking visualizes condylar and incisal movement, aiding precise jaw positioning. Combining CT, intraoral scans, facial scans, and motion data creates a 4D virtual patient, enabling efficient splint design with functional occlusal contacts while ensuring disc-condyle realignment. Digital anterior repositioning splints effectively relieve symptoms in disc displacement with closed lock, promoting disc recapture. This approach enhances precision and functional outcomes in TMD management.