Temporomandibular disorders and occlusion effect on orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Evidence in the literature indicates the significant association between temporomandibular joint disorders and orthodontic treatment. As a result of the epidemiological investigations that indicated the high prevalence of temporomandibular disorders among patients with malocclusions, it has been suggested that there might be a cause-and-effect correlation between both of these conditions. Evidence in the literature is inconsistent regarding the association between temporomandibular joint disorders and malocclusion, and orthodontic treatment. In the present literature review, we have discussed the different aspects of temporomandibular disorders and malocclusion and their relation to orthodontic treatment approaches. Among the different studies in the literature, solid evidence indicates a significant association between temporomandibular joint disorders and malocclusion, and accordingly, research aimed to study the impact of orthodontic treatment on curing and preventing the development of these disorders. The current evidence seems to be neutral regarding the impact of orthodontic treatment approaches on curing and preventing temporomandibular disorders. Therefore, it has been suggested that further investigations are still needed for adequate further evaluation. Finally, as we previously discussed, the attending orthodontist should adequately take care of certain parameters in these patients, including centric relation, maximal intercuspal position, simultaneous contact points, and evaluating the direction of forces applied on the relevant teeth.