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Article

An Innovative Approach to Managing Temporomandibular Disorders Through the Combined Use of Two Oral Devices: A Case Report

by
Antonio Spagnuolo
1,*,
Roberta Iacono
2,
Gian Mauro Liberatore
3 and
Carlo Di Paolo
1
1
Gnathologic Division, Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
2
F.A.S. Screening for Prevention and Oral Health, Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
3
Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana of Pisa, Cisanello, 56100 Pisa, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010273 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 30 October 2025 / Revised: 19 December 2025 / Accepted: 24 December 2025 / Published: 26 December 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Medical Devices and Technologies)

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are increasingly prevalent in the adult population. Given the multifactorial and often chronic nature of TMD, the ideal therapeutic approach must be multimodal and personalized, with a preference for conservative treatments. However, standardized protocols combining occlusal devices and biobehavioral therapy for internal derangement (ID) are still lacking. Case Presentation: A 20-year-old male patient presented with bilateral anteromedial reducible disc displacement, with intermittent locking on the right. He reported joint noises, difficulty chewing, and occasional painful mouth opening. A comprehensive diagnostic workup, including clinical, functional, and radiographic evaluations, was performed. The patient underwent a biobehavioral gnathological therapy involving two oral devices: RA.DI.CA. and By-Te ® Reali. The protocol included personalized exercises, patient education, and behavioural counselling. Results. The patient achieved full remission of pain, disappearance of joint noises, and restoration of mandibular function, without dental movement. Pre- and post-treatment MRI and condylography confirmed improved condyle-disc relationships, increased intra-articular space, and better symmetry of movements, particularly on the right. Conclusion. The combined use of RA.DI.CA. and by-Te ® Reali devices, supported by a personalized functional programme, appears effective in managing TMD with ID. Further studies on larger populations are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this protocol.
Keywords: temporomandibular disorders; internal derangement; TMJ; occlusal splint temporomandibular disorders; internal derangement; TMJ; occlusal splint

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MDPI and ACS Style

Spagnuolo, A.; Iacono, R.; Liberatore, G.M.; Di Paolo, C. An Innovative Approach to Managing Temporomandibular Disorders Through the Combined Use of Two Oral Devices: A Case Report. Appl. Sci. 2026, 16, 273. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010273

AMA Style

Spagnuolo A, Iacono R, Liberatore GM, Di Paolo C. An Innovative Approach to Managing Temporomandibular Disorders Through the Combined Use of Two Oral Devices: A Case Report. Applied Sciences. 2026; 16(1):273. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010273

Chicago/Turabian Style

Spagnuolo, Antonio, Roberta Iacono, Gian Mauro Liberatore, and Carlo Di Paolo. 2026. "An Innovative Approach to Managing Temporomandibular Disorders Through the Combined Use of Two Oral Devices: A Case Report" Applied Sciences 16, no. 1: 273. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010273

APA Style

Spagnuolo, A., Iacono, R., Liberatore, G. M., & Di Paolo, C. (2026). An Innovative Approach to Managing Temporomandibular Disorders Through the Combined Use of Two Oral Devices: A Case Report. Applied Sciences, 16(1), 273. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010273

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