Project Overview

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder, encompasses both acute and chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. Currently, patients with chronic and severe TMJ disorder use bite guards or bite plates. These devices help relieve pain but mainly serve to protect the teeth. However, these devices have proven to be ineffective since patients with bruxism clench and/or grind their teeth on the bite guards, resulting in chronic pain and inflammation due to increasing pressure on the joint and strain on the jaw muscles. The purpose of this project is to develop a better night and/or day-time device for TMJ patients that keeps the mouth/joint more open and relaxed, particularly during long periods (i.e. during sleep).

Team Picture

Files

• Poster (April 29, 2011)
• Final Report (May 4, 2011)
• Final PDS (May 4, 2011)
• Mid-semester Powerpoint Presentation (March 4, 2011)
• Mid-semester Report (March 9, 2011)
• Mid-semester PDS (March 9, 2011)
• Initial PDS (not mid-semester) (March 9, 2011)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Kevin Beene - Team Leader
• Darren Klaty - Communicator
• Alex Broderick - BSAC
• Lisa Kohli - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Dr. Willis Tompkins - Advisor
• Jill Pongetti - Client