Once a diagnosis is made for a patient presenting with TM pain or disorders, orthotic selection and treatment can take place. It is essential to know which patients should be treated with oral appliances and which type of appliance should be used. Oral appliances are available that function as orthotics, move the mandible forward, and prevent clenching and grinding. Appropriate appliance selection must consider the indication as well as the advantages and any disadvantages of particular appliances. Oral appliances should be chosen that maximize treatment outcomes and minimize undesired side effects. Oral appliance therapy has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of TMDs.

A good diagnosis requires an understanding of the symptoms of TM dysfunction and associated head pain, and a thorough clinical examination. In order to understand the sympotoms and their severity, as well as the factors that must be included in a differential diagnosis, it is necessary to understand how the TMJ and the central nervous system (CNS) interact in response to noxious stimuli of the TMJ. Headaches are one of the more common symptoms of TMD but ar also common occurrences for other reasons. Differential diagnosis of headaches of TMJ and non-TMJ origin is critical for correct treatment and referral of patients for treatment if the headaches are not related to TMD.

Parafunctional activities associated with the stomatagnathic system include lip and cheek chewing, fingernail biting, and teeth clenching. Bruxism can be classified as awake or sleep bruxism. Patients with sleep bruxism are three to four times more likely to experience jaw pain and limitation of movement than people who do not experience sleep bruxism. Signs and symptoms of bruxism and parafunctional activity include hypertrophied masseter and temporalis muscles, myocitis of these same muscles, morning jaw stiffness, and sensitivity in a tooth or teeth. Additionally, migraine is associated with parafunctional activity. Dental professionals are responsible for diagnosing and managing parafunction. Patients can be managed with oral appliances of various designs.

Sleep disordered-breathing is a common problem, and obstructive sleep apnea is a serious health issue that can be treated using surgery, CPAP and oral appliances therapy. Oral appliance therapy is a viable, non-invasive treatment for patients with mild to moderate OSA, and has a high success rate and good patient compliance. There are several keys to success in the treatment of these disorders. A definitive diagnosis and triaging is essential to ensure that appropriate patients receive oral appliance therapy. Appliance selection and diligent case management are required for successful treatment. Dental professionals are in a unique position to assess and treat patients with OSA using oral appliances.