Simona Tecco
DDS, MSc, PhD, Prof
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, MI, Italy
ITALY
Session 18 · DAY 2 (Nov. 6, 2026) · 11:45–12:15 CET
Management of Occlusal Splints in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders
Abstract
The main innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders will be outlined. The primary devices currently used for analyzing mandibular kinematics will be presented. Various clinical cases will be presented, covering the process from diagnosis to splint prescription, through to the subsequent orthodontic and/or prosthetic finalization.
Regarding orthodontic finishing, the management protocol for clear aligners will be outlined. Protocols for the long-term maintenance and follow-up of patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder will be presented. All protocols will be illustrated through descriptions of scientific publications on the subject.
Learning Objectives
- Describe current innovations in temporomandibular disorder diagnosis and the devices used for mandibular kinematics analysis.
- Apply evidence-based protocols for occlusal splint prescription and subsequent orthodontic or prosthetic finalization, including clear aligners.
- Implement structured long-term maintenance and follow-up strategies for patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder, supported by the current scientific literature.
Biography
Prof. Simona Tecco is Associate Professor at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, and qualified as Full Professor in Dentistry (A.S.N. MIUR 2023). She graduated in Dentistry at G. D’Annunzio University, Chieti/Pescara (1999), earned a PhD in Dental Science (2003, with distinction), a second PhD in Physiology of Mastication and Dental Materials (University of Turin), specialized in Orthodontics at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome (2006), and completed a Master in Orthodontics at Tor Vergata University, Rome (2015).
She teaches Orthognathodontics at San Raffaele, serves on several editorial boards, and is an active member and certified speaker of the Digital Dentistry Society.