The management of temporomandibular disorder using occlusal splint therapy and bio-behavioral therapy

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a collective term that includes a number of clinical complaints involving the muscles of mastication, the temporomandibular joint, and associated orofacial structures. Diagnosing orofacial pain can be quite difficult as patients may have multiple pain complaints and often present with a confusing constellation of signs and symptoms. Management of TMD is based on certain basic principles that include the formulation of an accurate diagnosis, gradual escalation of therapy, restraining from irreversible forms of treatment and the psychophysiological aspects of the disease. A multidisciplinary model that includes patient awareness and self-care, cognitive behavioral intervention, occlusal splint therapy (OST) is endorsed for the management of most patients. The current article reviews the management of TMD by the OST and bio-behavioral therapies.