Effect of orthodontic treatment on temporomandibular joint’s articular eminence and condylar position

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the orthodontic treatment on temporomandibular joint's articular eminence and condylar position. This study included 95 adult patients who received fixed orthodontic treatment. The labiolingual inclination of the incisor, anterior overjet, and overbite were measured using cephalometric radiographs. The inclination of the articular eminence and condylar position were measured using cone-beam computed tomography before and after treatment. Regression analysis was employed to explore whether changes in incisor inclination and anterior occlusion affected the posterior inclination of the articular eminence and condylar position. Changes in the posterior inclination of the articular eminence and anterior joint space were found to be positively correlated with changes in anterior overbite. In contrast, changes in the posterior joint space were negatively correlated with changes in maxillary incisor inclination. The results suggest that changes in anterior occlusion, particularly anterior overbite, following orthodontic treatment may lead to minor adjustments in the posterior inclination of the articular eminence and condyle position.