Effect of abnormal occlusal contact on temporomandibular joint

Abstract

Occlusion, temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle are in a functional system, which cooperate and influence each other. When any one of these elements is abnormal, it will affect the function of other elements. The normal occlusal relationship is the convex-concave relationship of apical fossa contact, and the masticatory movement trajectory is teardrop-like, which is helpful to promote the normal mandibular functional movement. The abnormal occlusal contact relationship changes the convex-concave relationship of apical fossa contact into convex relationship, which will form abnormal masticatory movement trajectory, and may even cause abnormal movement and stress of temporomandibular joint and abnormal contractile activity of masticatory muscle. The longer the duration of this abnormal occlusal relationship, the greater the damage to bone and soft tissue. scissors bite, openbite and crossbite are common occlusal abnormalities in clinic, so this article will focus on the effects of these three abnormal occlusal contacts on the temporomandibular joint.