Protocols of digital diagnostics in patients with reduced lower third of the face

Abstract

Determination of interalveolar height and centric relationship is a crucial problem in clinical dental practice, because possible failures lead to non-physiological position of mandible, which, in turn, can cause development of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and masticatory muscles disorders. The aim was to improve traditional protocol for determining interalveolar height and centric relationship in patients with reduced lower third of face. Materials and methods. 75 patients (27 men and 48 women) with tooth wear of II—III degree of severity and reduced lower third of face, suffered from pain, tension, fatigue, hypertension of masticatory muscles were examined. All patients were determined interalveolar height and centric relationship using the proposed method: first of all, instrumental diagnostics was performed (anatomico-instrumental method for determining interalveolar height and centric relationship with the help of gnathometer, created using special computer programs), and then the X-ray one (cone-beam computed tomography of temporomandibular joints with fixed together gnathometer’s bases in patient’s mouth). This method is described in clinical case. Results. It was achieved optimal condylar position and no pain in temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles in the patient. Conclusion. Thus, high accuracy of diagnostics is achieved, due to the use of digital technologies at all clinical and laboratory stages.