2016 Volume 28 Issue 1 Pages 22-27
Recurrent and habitual mandibular dislocation has increased in aging societies, especially in Japan. Non-surgical treatments using an elastic bandage or chin cap are initially indicated. However, it is difficult to continue these non-surgical treatments for long periods, because the materials often cause facial ulcer formation. Surgical therapy is usually considered for mandibular dislocations when conservative treatments have failed. However, most surgical treatments are too invasive for elderly patients. At present, there are no appropriate non-surgical and surgical treatments for elderly patients. We have developed a new cap to prevent mandibular dislocation as a non-surgical treatment and a new surgical plate for implantation into the mandibular eminence to block condylar dislocation. Both treatments are less invasive, secure, and safe for elderly patients compared with previous treatments.
