Hi everyone....Here's some info...

Regarding Lateral Displacement- For the most part, splint therapy is designed to recapture the disc whether anteriorly or laterally displaced. Once adequate joint space is established, one must give time for the ligaments to heal and acquire a more normal elasticity.

Regarding crepitus and adhesions- You may not hear any noise if a disc is displaced significantly, however, once treatment is started and attempts for disc recapture are in place, the condyle is brought in closer proximity to the disc, thus the noise. Bones can remodel over time, however, it is unlikely that splint therapy will break through adhesions if they are significant and restrictive.

The first concern is to get the patient out of pain and discomfort. The secondary objective, is to deal with normal joint dynamics, which includes, in part, disc recapture and normal ranges of movement.

My doctor said not to be concerned about disc position at the beginning of splint therapy, it takes awhile for ligaments to heal. Soft foods and not opening wide during the healing process is important. Also, the proper resting position is teeth apart (tongue behind teeth), lips together.

I hope this helps some people understand this type of splint therapy.

Navy1990