Method and device for treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome and facial/dental deformities

Abstract

A method for treating maxilla / cranial base to mandibular axis discrepancies in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of a patient such as caused by mandibular, temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (MTDS) or developmental facial / dental deformities without performing open jaw joint surgery. The method includes (1) repositioning the patient's mandible into a stable relationship with the cranial base using a craniomandibular orthopedic repositioning orthotic which over time deprograms the patient's jaw into the stable mandible to cranial base relationship; (2) constructing a model of the patient's mouth on a jaw joint simulator which replicates the patient's jaw joint true hinge axis of rotation in the repositioned and stabilized mandible to cranial base relationship; (3) planning on the model a surgical procedure comprising total maxillary osteotomy which substantially treats the MTDS or developmental facial / dental deformities; and (4) performing the surgical procedure to treat the discrepancies.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] Not applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A “COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC”[0003] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] (1) Field of the Invention [0005] The present invention relates to a method for treating maxilla / cranial base to mandibular axis discrepancies in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of a patient such as is caused by mandibular, temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (MTDS) or developmental facial / dental deformities without performing open jaw joint surgery. The method includes (1) repositioning the patient's mandible into a stable relationship with the cranial base using a craniomandibular orthopedic repositioning orthotic which over time deprograms the patient's jaw into the stable mandible to cranial base relationship; (2) constructing a model of the patient's mouth on an artificial jaw simulator which replic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method for treating maxilla / cranial base to mandibular axis discrepancies in the temporomandibular joints of a patient without performing open jaw joint surgery. The method involves repositioning the patient's mandible using an orthotic, constructing a model of the patient's mouth, mounting the mandible to the maxilla and the lower dental arch, and removing a portion of the maxillary bone to stabilize the joints. The method also includes using an artificial jaw simulator to determine the amount of bone to be removed and constructing a surgical stint to maintain the stable position of the joints during the procedure. The technical effects of the invention include reducing the need for surgery, minimizing damage to the patient's teeth, and improving the stability and function of the temporomandibular joints."

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, the surgical procedures for treating MTDS or developmental facial / dental deformities are not generally planned on a model of the patient's jaw joint in which the model has replicated the patient's true hinge axis of rotation in the stable condylar position.

Because the mandible condyles are not stably positioned within their sockets, the mandible to cranial base relationship remains unstable.

Therefore, following a standard surgery for treating MTDS or developmental facial / dental deformities, the unstable relationship between the mandible and cranial base over time tends to develop into MTDS.

As long as the relationship between the mandible and cranial base remains unaddressed in the standard surgical treatments for MTDS or developmental facial / dental deformities, the unstable relationship will remain and most likely render the surgical treatment merely temporary in effect.

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