The role of the orthodontist in managing disorders of the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

The correct functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is of paramount importance for patients' well-being and oral health-related quality of life. Orthodontists routinely work on dental occlusion, and occlusal changes may also result from a number of TMJ pathologies. The collective term temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) includes a set of heterogeneous conditions that affect the masticatory muscles, the TMJ, and the surrounding tissues and structures. This chapter discusses the most common TMDs, such as joint pain and disc displacement, and provides suggestions on how to diagnose and manage these conditions. It also reviews a number of TMJ conditions and developmental problems that may affect dental occlusion, and provides clinical guidelines for a differential diagnosis of these pathologies. Arthralgia is defined as joint pain that is affected by jaw movement, function, or parafunction, and replication of this pain occurs with provocation testing of the TMJs.