Approccio gnatologico in un caso di microsomia emifacciale

The aim of this article is to describe a gnathological approach to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptomatology in an adult subject with untreated hemifacial microsomia. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A highly personalized superior occlusal bite splint was fabricated in an attempt to reduce the daily stress affecting the patient's TMJ.RESULTS. Two months later, the patient reported a reduction in the painful symptomatology and 6 months later its disappearance, with an improvement of the mouth opening from 2 to 3 fingers, thus allowing a major functional amelioration when eating meals. CONCLUSIONS. The ideal treatment for hemifacial microsomia is an early surgical procedure. However, an occlusal bite splint can provide a temporary solution to painful symptoms and mouth opening reduction in untreated patients.