Relationship between temporomandibular disorders and orthodontic treatment: a literature review

Tatsuko Sakima,Ronaldo Antônio Leite,Maurício Tatsuei Sakima,Joacir Ferreira Rodrigues

doi:10.1590/s2176-94512013000100027

Tatsuko Sakima, Ronaldo Antônio Leite + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/s2176-94512013000100027

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to review the most recent studies from the last 15 years, in search of clinical studies that report the relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment and/or malocclusion. Our intention was to determine whether orthodontic treatment would increase the incidence of signs and symptoms of TMD, and whether orthodontic treatment would be recommended for treating or preventing signs and symptoms of TMD. Literature reviews, editorials, letters to the editor, experimental studies in animals and short communications were excluded from this review. Were included only prospective, longitudinal, case-control or retrospective studies with a large sample and significant statistical analysis. Studies that dealt with craniofacial deformities and syndromes or orthognathic surgery treatment were also excluded, as well as those that reported only the association between malocclusion and TMD. There were 20 articles relating orthodontics to TMD according to the inclusion criteria. The studies that associated signs and symptoms of TMD to orthodontic treatment showed discrepant results. Some have found positive effects of orthodontic treatment on signs and symptoms of TMD, however, none showed a statistically significant difference. All studies cited in this literature review reported that orthodontic treatment did not provide risk to the development of signs and symptoms of TMD, regardless of the technique used for treatment, the extraction or non-extraction of premolars and the type of malocclusion previously presented by the patient. Some studies with long-term follow-up concluded that orthodontic treatment would not be preventive or a treatment option for TMD.

Highlights

The problems associated with the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have aroused interest to the orthodontist
The signs and symptoms that indicate any abnormality of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are: Alteration of the mandibular movement, limitation of mouth opening, joint pain with mandibular function, constraint function, joint noises, asymptomatic radiographic changes of the TMJ and jaw locking with open mouth and closed mouth.[3]
An individual with articular TMD was found. This one belonged to the study group and the crossbite was ipsilateral to the side of the disc displacement. These results suggest that internal disturbances of TMJ and unilateral posterior crossbite (UPC) occur independently, or the magnitude of these disorders can not be identified by magnetic resonance imaging in this age group (6 to 13 years).[7]

Summary

Introduction

The problems associated with the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have aroused interest to the orthodontist. The attention to signs and symptoms associated with TMD have modified the clinical management before and during orthodontic treatment.[1]. According to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, the term temporomandibular disorder refers to a set of clinical problems that involve the masticatory musculature, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures, or both, being identified as the leading cause of non-dental pain in the orofacial region and is considered a subclass of musculoskeletal disorders.[2]. The most common symptom associated with TMD is pain, usually located in the masticatory muscles, preauricular area and / or temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Limitation of mouth opening and movement, and the presence of joint noises are other common complaints in patients with TMD.[2]

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Conclusion