Fitting a temporomandibular joint prosthesis to the skull

J.-P. van Loon*, L.G.M. de Bont, B. Stegenga, G.J. Verkerke

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Fitting a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis to the skull by using stock prostheses seems to be an appropriate method. However, fitting the skull with one stock part requires many differently shaped parts. Therefore, we fitted the skull with two connected stock parts. The aim of the study was to test whether it is possible to achieve a close fit to the skull with this design, with a maximum of 10 different parts. The articular eminence was fitted with a gully-shaped fitting member, which was rotationally connected to a basic part that fitted to the lateral side of the TMJ. The relevant dimensions of 20 dry skulls were measured and the results were used to derive the optimal dimensions of the prosthesis parts. Prototypes were subsequently fabricated. The fit of the prototypes was tested by measuring the maximum gap between fitting member and skull. All skulls could be fit with a set of four different basic parts and three different fitting members. The average maximum gap between fitting member and skull was 0.20 mm (range 0.11-0.43 mm). It was concluded that a close fit to the skull can be achieved with two connected stock parts and with a total number of seven parts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)853-859
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Oral Rehabilitation
Volume27
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2000
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fitting a temporomandibular joint prosthesis to the skull'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this