Accidental ingestion of a fractured Twin-block appliance.

Orthodontic appliances that become dislodged can cause problems in the airway or the gastrointestinal tract. Accidental ingestion of an appliance during a chair-side procedure or because of inadequate retention of the appliance can create a medical emergency with potentially serious complications, including death from aspiration of the foreign body. This article reports the accidental ingestion of a fractured Twin-block appliance. The ease with which removable appliances can become dislodged if retention is inadequate is discussed, and some serious complications that can arise are described. Precautions the orthodontist can take to prevent such accidents are presented.

A clinical, MRI, and EMG analysis comparing the efficacy of twin blocks and flat occlusal splints in the management of disc displacements with reduction.

Internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is characterized by an abnormal disc-condyle relationship. Of all the various treatment modalities used in the management of disc displacements, flat occlusal and anterior repositioning splints are the most commonly used. Myofunctional appliances (such as bite-jumping appliances) are also advocated to treat anterior disc displacements. The present study compares the efficacy of twin blocks with conventional flat occlusal splints in patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction using clinical examination, MRI, and EMG. The sample consisted of 20 subjects between 12 and 20 years of age, who were randomly divided into two groups of 10 patients each: Group 1 was treated with twin blocks, while group 2 was treated using maxillary flat occlusal splints. The twin block is more effective in relieving joint pain, diminishing joint dysfunction, reducing joint clicking, and eliminating muscle tenderness in patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction as compared to the occlusal splint.