This review aims at presenting a current view on the physiopathologic mechanisms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). While joint pain is characterized by a well-defined inflammatory process mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin, chronic muscle pain presents with enigmatic physiopathologic mechanisms, being considered a functional pain syndrome similar to fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Central sensitization is the common factor unifying these conditions, and may be influenced by the autonomic nervous system and genetic polymorphisms. Thus, TMDs symptoms should be understood as a complex response which might get worse or improve depending on an individual's adaptation.

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The effects of treating Class II malocclusion adult patients, by means of using Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) combined with a fixed appliance were mostly observed in the mandibular arch, and consisted of buccal inclination, protrusion and intrusion of incisors, and mesialization and extrusion of the molars.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue effects of the Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) application in adolescent and adult Class II malocclusion patients. Methods: The sample comprised the pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms of 39 subjects presenting Class II malocclusion treated with the MPA and fixed appliances. Sample was divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised 23 subjects (10 male; 13 female), at a mean pretreatment age of 11.75 years, with a mean treatment time of 3.32 years; Group 2 included 16 subjects (7 male; 9 female), at a mean pretreatment age of 22.41 years, with a mean treatment time of 4.24 years. Intergroup comparison of the initial and final stages and treatment changes between the groups was performed with t tests, at p< 0.05. Results: The adults showed less significant amounts of skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes than the adolescents. There was significantly greater palatal tipping of the maxillary incisors and retrusion of the upper lip in the adolescents. The adult group showed greater mandibular incisor proclination in the posttreatment stage. Conclusion: Adult patients treated with MPA showed less significant amounts of skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes than adolescents.

AimsThis case report aimed to discuss the multifactorial etiology and also the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by addressing important associated psychosocial and biological factors, emphasizing the interaction between these factors and a probable genetic predisposition.Methods and resultsA 21‐year‐old female patient was evaluated according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD and diagnosed with arthralgia, myofascial pain, disc displacement without reduction, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) degenerative disease. TMJ alterations were confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging and cone‐beam computed tomography. Pressure pain threshold of masticatory structures was evaluated using a pressure algometer. Sleep bruxism, poor sleep quality, migraine with aura, mild anxiety, and history of facial trauma were also identified through anamnesis and clinical examination. Following this, genetic analysis was performed to evaluate the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) already associated with TMD: SNP COMT Val158Met (rs4680), MMP1‐1607 (rs1799750), and tumor necrosis factor alpha‐308 (rs1800629), which were all present. A personalized treatment for TMD management was performed, and it included self‐management programs, occlusal appliance therapy, pharmacotherapy, anxiety management, and stress control. An 8‐year follow‐up demonstrated long‐term stabilization of TMJ degenerative disease.ConclusionGenetic evaluation, added to anamnesis and clinical examination, could be useful for TMD prognosis and management.

This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a 32-year-old woman with a Class III malocclusion, whose chief compliant was her dentofacial esthetics. The pretreatment lateral cephalometric tracings showed the presence of a Class III dentoskeletal malocclusion with components of maxillary deficiency. After discussion with the patient, the treatment option included surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) followed by orthopedic protraction (Sky Hook) and Class III elastics. Patient compliance was excellent and satisfactory dentofacial esthetics was achieved after treatment completion.