Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Orthodontics - A Review of Literature

Abstract

The relationship between the temporomandibular joint and orthodontic treatment has always been a topic of discussion amongst dental health care professionals. Prevalence studies show the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders in young adult and teenaged of which 30% of the population undergo orthodontic treatment during this phase. Therefore, there have been conflicting opinions if the orthodontic treatment causes any form of temporomandibular dysfunction; or treating the temporomandibular dysfunction via orthodontic treatments. To better understand these conflicting opinions a need arises to have extensive studies encompassing all factorsthat establish a proper association between temporomandibular disorders and orthodontic treatment.