2014 AAO Winter Conf - Establishing Realistic Treatment Objectives for Adult Patients / Limiting your Risk when Treating Patients with TMD

Establishing Realistic Treatment Objectives for Adult Patients

Initially, there are two critical steps in treatment planning for all adult patients: differential diagnosis and the establishment of realistic treatment objectives. This presentation will provide a useful assessment tool to help the clinician predictably identify and communicate both individualized and realistic treatment objectives for their future adult patients.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect adult orthodontic treatment objectives
• Discuss how to use a standardized approach to incorporate the presentation of treatment objectives as a risk reduction tool
• Develop an effective communication protocol that incorporates the orthodontic treatment objectives into each treatment plan

Limiting your Risk when Treating Patients with TMD

TMD is a multifactorial pathology, and it is difficult to demonstrate a direct correlation between one of the causes, such as occlusion, and TMD. The variables are so many and so mixed that, nowadays, we do not have adequate diagnostic instruments to establish a clear correlation or to know if how and when a malocclusion can unbalance the stomatognathic system. Based on this concept, orofacial pain and TMD require a comprehensive team approach. Treatments should address not only the physical diagnosis, but also the psychological distress. When the treatment protocol includes a dental intervention, this must be done to address patient discomfort and obtain an occlusion that is stable, being the treatment goals to reduce pain and to improve function.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how to manage the orthodontic patient presenting TMD before starting treatment and during treatment
• Relate the role of condilar position in patients with TMD