Which appliance addresses disc displacement by repositioning the mandible?

Which appliance addresses disc displacement by repositioning the mandible?

• A. Anterior repositioning appliance
• B. Nightguard/Stabilization splint
• C. Soft resilience splint
• D. Hard stabilization splint

Answer: (A)

Repositioning the mandible to recapture a displaced articular disc addresses disc displacement by guiding the jaw into a forward position so the condyle sits in an anterior–superior spot under the articular eminence, allowing the disc to seat properly and reducing impingement of the retrodiscal tissues and associated pain. The anterior repositioning appliance is specifically designed to induce that forward glide, promoting disc recapture during function and at rest. In contrast, stabilization splints (hard or soft) aim to create a consistent, calm bite and reduce muscle hyperactivity and joint loading without deliberately changing the jaw position to recenter the disc. Therefore, the appliance that directly targets disc displacement through mandible repositioning is the anterior repositioning appliance.

Repositioning the mandible to recapture a displaced articular disc addresses disc displacement by guiding the jaw into a forward position so the condyle sits in an anterior–superior spot under the articular eminence, allowing the disc to seat properly and reducing impingement of the retrodiscal tissues and associated pain. The anterior repositioning appliance is specifically designed to induce that forward glide, promoting disc recapture during function and at rest. In contrast, stabilization splints (hard or soft) aim to create a consistent, calm bite and reduce muscle hyperactivity and joint loading without deliberately changing the jaw position to recenter the disc. Therefore, the appliance that directly targets disc displacement through mandible repositioning is the anterior repositioning appliance.