Step‐back anterior repositioning splint retraction for temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction in adult patients

Abstract Background Anterior repositioning splint (ARS) is used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement with reduction (DDwR). However, high recurrence rate remains a problem especially in patients with unstable occlusions. Objective This study optimised standard ARS therapy and proposed a step‐back ARS retraction (SAR) method in adult patients with DDwR. Methods Dental examinations and magnetic resonance imaging of TMJ were obtained before treatment (T0), 1 to 3 months (T1), 3 to 6 months (T2) and 6 to 12 months (T3) during treatment in 48 adults (average age 27.1 ± 5.7 years). After 3 months of basic ARS wearing, personalised treatment for patients with normal disc–condyle relationship was prescribed depending on bilaminar zone adaptations and severity of molar openbite. SAR which required sequential ARS wearing was designed for patients with deep overbite/overjet until retrodiscal tissue adaptations and stable occlusions were achieved. Results The maximum interincisal opening was increased from 44.3 ± 6.9 to 45.3 ± 6.3 mm ( p < .01), and joint pain was alleviated after ARS treatment. The overall success rate of ARS wearing was 92.1% (58/63) featured by a recaptured disc. Fifteen patients who underwent SAR therapy all showed bilaminar zone adaptations in the end, and one patient had positive condylar bone remodelling. Conclusions ARS treatment could improve mouth opening and joint symptoms in adult DDwR patients. SAR method was suitable for treating DDwR patients with deep overbite and overjet and improved retrodiscal tissue adaptations and condylar bone remodelling.