An equilibrating splint combined with active orthodontic screw segments for the initial treatment of patients with a posterior forced bite

Patients, who present with a posterior position of the mandible, caused by a dental interference in the maxilla (single tooth retrusion, rotation, steep angulation of the entire incisor group, frontal deep bite, or an insufficient transversal dimension) often require raising their bites and decoupling of their occlusion by means of a splint. This allows the mandible to obtain an advanced position free of any dental interference. Passive splints of this kind do not change anything of the occlusally compromising situation, into which the patients are being forced, when they do not wear their splints temporarily. This unsatisfying situation can be altered when the equilibrating splint is combined with orthodontic screw segments. Thus, in a posterior forced bite, it is possible not only to advance the position of the mandible, but also improve the position of the interfering teeth from the beginning of treatment. Keywords: Equilibrating splint, orthodontic screw segments, posterior forced bite, craniomandibular dysfunction