Aneta Mijoska

THE ROLE OF OCCLUSAL SPLINTS IN MANAGING TMJ AND BRUXISM
Professor dr Mijoska Aneta

Faculty for Dental Medicine, University Saint Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, North Macedonia

Managing Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders and bruxism often requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. Occlusal splints have become a highly effective option for alleviating the symptoms of these conditions. Designed to protect teeth and reduce jaw strain, these devices offer significant relief for patients dealing with pain, discomfort, and other related issues. Splint therapy for bruxism focuses on preventing the damage caused by teeth grinding and clenching. Bruxism, often occurring during sleep, can lead to worn-down teeth, fractures, and jaw pain. Occlusal splints act as a barrier, protecting the teeth from direct contact and reducing the impact of grinding. For patients with severe bruxism, splints also help alleviate associated symptoms like jaw soreness and muscle tension. By minimising wear and tear, these devices extend the lifespan of your natural teeth and improve overall oral health.
TMJ splint types vary depending on the severity of the condition and the specific needs of the patient. Common options include: Stabilisation splints, repositioning splints and Night Guards. A dental professional can determine whether a splint is the best option for patients needs through a thorough evaluation.Choosing the right TMJ splint type requires a professional evaluation to ensure it addresses most of the symptoms effectively.

associate professor Dr. Aneta Mijoska
Specialist in dental prosthodontic
Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Prosthetics
Saint Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia

Graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry UKIM, North Macedonia in 1997. From 2002-2007 worked as a dentist in еmergency department at USKC Sveti Panteleimon in Skopje. Since 2007, has been working at the Clinic for Fixed Dental Prosthetics, where she became a specialist in dental prosthetics in 2011. In 2009, she was elected an assistant at the Department of Dental Prosthetics at the Faculty of Dentistry in Skopje. In 2015, she received her doctorate in the field of zirconium dioxide ceramics - mechanical characteristics and adhesion properties. In 2022, she became an associate professor. Field of research: all-ceramic, occlusion and gnathology, T-scan analyses, Velscope-non-invasive technique for examining oral tissues and precancerous changes, gerontostomatology, etc. Participant of many domestic and international projects (Faculty of Medicine - Ljubljana, Slovenia). Author and co-author of 3 professional books in thе field and a pre-clinical practicum for faculty teaching. Author and co-author of over 85 scientific and professional papers in this field, regular active participant of European, world and domestic congresses and conferences. She expresses her professional work as a member of the editorial board of the scientific and professional journal Knowledge - International Journal, indexed in several international databases, Vice-editor of the Gazette of the Dental Chamber of North Macedonia „VOX Dentarii”, and as a reviewer in several SCI journals. 2014-2018 vice president of the Supervisory Commission of the Dental Chamber of North Macedonia, current member of the Executive Board of the North Macedonian Dental Chamber.