Orthodontic/orthopedic therapy for craniomandibular pain dysfunction. Part A. Anterior disk displacement, review of the literature.

Abstract

AbstractThe most common symptoms of craniomandibular pain dysfunction (CMPD) include: headaches, myospasms, cephalic and cervical pain, limited range of motion, and joint sounds. More recently, the problem of internal derangement has been brought to light. Internal derangement manifests itself in the clinical symptom of reciprocal clicking (opening and closing clicks). Anterior disk dislocation or displacement and its treatment has remained controversial. Many clinicians believe anterior repositioning of the mandible is indicated, as long as the anterior repositioning is kept to a minimum. This article presents a review of the literature and its application to orthopedic/orthodontic treatment for anterior disk dislocation. The use of various radiographs to monitor and document the treatment changes is also presented. The concept of a therapeutic range extending from concentric to the Gelb position is presented as being the physiological range for the condyle.