A case of malocclusion with osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

Patient: A 51-year-old female complaining of masticatory disturbance visited our department. Her unstable occlusion had gradually presented due to extraction of her lower left first molar one month before visiting us. Deformation of her left condyle and a lack of convergence in her terminal points of tapping movements were observed by X-ray and mandibular movement findings. From these findings, she was diagnosed with masticatory disturbance due to osteoarthritis. From the results of mandibular movement analysis, a posterior movement of over 1 mm in her left condyle during the lateral excursion was revealed. Therefore, a functional bite impression (FBI) technique was applied to fabricate a prosthesis that harmonized with her mandibular movements.

Discussion: Through the FBI technique, her occlusal stability was obtained, and was successfully maintained during follow-up for over 8 years.

Conclusion: In this patient with unstable occlusion, a favorable outcome was achieved by the FBI technique.