Adjustable TMJs and Bruxism Appliances
TMJ's are typically constructed with conventional clear acrylic and two buccal wire clasps.
Usually placed on the first molars. (#19 & #30) With the advent of space age plastics we
can chose from a variety of monomer free plastics that have different degrees of flexibility.
Flexite MP, our semi-flexible multipolymer acrylic, is presently the choice of laboratories
(worldwide) for bruxism and TMJs. A technique omitting the wire buccal arms is offered
as an alternative procedure.
How to Create Retention for TMJs and Bruxism Appliances without Adding Metal Clasps.
Procedure:
Survey entire case with a slight rise in the anteriors
so bruxism appliance can overlap anteriors slightly.
This will be the path of insertion.
Blockout entire lingual and buccal interproximals in
posterior quadrants. Include slight wax in the inter-
proximals and occlusal surfaces. The interproximal
walls in the posterior quadrants are parallel and
should not be undercutted.
Duplicate model.
Waxup as indicated.
Invest in flask and sprue with two heavy
individual sprues into distal occlusals.
Finished case as shown.
Flexite MP is a semi flexible thermoplastic and easily adjusted.
Additional retention is created with the hot air gun by tucking
the interproximal fingers inward.
Advantages:
No metal wires
Monomer free
Easily added to
Greater comfort
Superior clarity