Influence of orthodontic treatment on temporomandibular disorders. A systematic review

Shoulder girdle muscle activity at rest and during jaw and shoulder movements in participants with and without temporomandibular disorders: A cross-sectional observational study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown the effects of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) alignment on the shoulder girdle muscles. No previous research has investigated the difference in activity of these muscles in those with and without temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to compare the activity of the shoulder girdle muscles in participants with and without TMD. Furthermore, to determine if there was a relationship between pain and disability of the TMJ and shoulder girdle.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was performed on participants with and without TMD. An assessment of pain, disability, range of the TMJ, scapulohumeral rhythm and muscle activity of the biceps, medial deltoid, infraspinatus, inferior trapezius and serratus anterior bilaterally was done. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 28 and Microsoft Excel.

RESULTS

Compared to those without TMD, participants with TMD had lower activity of all shoulder muscles during shoulder movements with significant differences of the right biceps during shoulder abduction (d = 0.33, p = 0.049), left infraspinatus (d = 0.38, p = 0.022) and right infraspinatus during shoulder flexion (d = 0.48, p = 0.004) and abduction (d = 0.33, p = 0.049). Lower shoulder muscle activity in participants with TMD was also seen during jaw movements, except for the right inferior trapezius, medial deltoid and serratus anterior, which had higher activity in participants with TMD.

CONCLUSION

The majority of the shoulder muscles had lower activity at rest, during jaw and shoulder movements in participants with TMD.

Performance of AI-Chatbots to Common Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs) Patient Queries: Accuracy, Completeness, Reliability and Readability

TMDs are a common group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) often resulting from factors like injury, stress or teeth grinding. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, completeness, reliability and readability of the responses generated by ChatGPT-3.5, -4o and Google Gemini to TMD-related inquiries. Forty-five questions covering various aspects of TMDs were created by two experts and submitted by one author to ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4 and Google Gemini on the same day. The responses were evaluated for accuracy, completeness and reliability using modified Likert scales. Readability was analysed with six validated indices via a specialised tool. Additional features, such as the inclusion of graphical elements, references and safeguard mechanisms, were also documented and analysed. The Pearson Chi-Square and One-Way ANOVA tests were used for data analysis. Google Gemini achieved the highest accuracy, providing 100% correct responses, followed by ChatGPT-3.5 (95.6%) and ChatGPT-4o (93.3%). ChatGPT-4o provided the most complete responses (91.1%), followed by ChatGPT-03 (64.4%) and Google Gemini (42.2%). The majority of responses were reliable, with ChatGPT-4o at 93.3% 'Absolutely Reliable', compared to 46.7% for ChatGPT-3.5 and 48.9% for Google Gemini. Both ChatGPT-4o and Google Gemini included references in responses, 22.2% and 13.3%, respectively, while ChatGPT-3.5 included none. Google Gemini was the only model that included multimedia (6.7%). Readability scores were highest for ChatGPT-3.5, suggesting its responses were more complex than those of Google Gemini and ChatGPT-4o. Both ChatGPT-4o and Google Gemini demonstrated accuracy and reliability in addressing TMD-related questions, with their responses being clear, easy to understand and complemented by safeguard statements encouraging specialist consultation. However, both platforms lacked evidence-based references. Only Google Gemini incorporated multimedia elements into its answers.

Exploring the association between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders in pediatric patient: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association between orthodontic treatment and development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in pediatric patients.

METHODS

This study analyzed 122 pediatric patients (age 10-18 years) who underwent orthodontic treatment. The inclusion criteria included comprehensive orthodontic records and substantial clinical documentation, while the exclusion criteria targeted preexisting TMDs or syndromes affecting the temporomandibular joint. Demographic details, treatment characteristics, and radiographic analyses, including standardized cephalometric measurements, were recorded. Clinical records were systematically reviewed for signs and symptoms of TMD, with categorization based on TMD severity using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD).

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics revealed a mean age of 14.2 years, with a sex distribution of 36.9% males and 63.1% females. Pain, clicking/popping sounds, and limited jaw movement were reported by 23.0%, 16.4%, and 12.3% of the patients, respectively. TMD severity classification showed that 73.8% had no symptoms, 20.5% had mild symptoms, 4.1% had moderate symptoms, and 1.6% had severe symptoms. Statistical analyses revealed a significant association between TMD symptoms and sex (P = 0.023). Correlations among TMD severity, treatment duration (P = 0.036), and cephalometric changes were observed. Radiographic findings showed a moderate correlation with the gonial angle (r = 0.42) and a strong correlation with the condylar position (r = 0.58).

CONCLUSION

This study provides insights into the complex relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD development in pediatric patients. These findings suggest potential associations between treatment characteristics, cephalometric changes, and TMD symptoms.

Occlusion and Its Role in the Long-Term Success of Dental Restorations: A Literature Review

Occlusion plays a fundamental role in the long-term success of dental restorations by influencing both their functional stability and durability. This review explores the occlusal considerations for various restorative modalities, including fixed and removable prostheses, implant-supported restorations, and adhesive restorations. Special attention is given to the biomechanical principles involved, such as force distribution, stress management, and the role of occlusion in temporomandibular joint health. Diagnostic tools, including traditional and digital techniques such as T-Scan and OccluSense, are discussed to highlight their relevance in detecting occlusal disharmony. Additionally, the review examines the effects of parafunctional habits on restoration longevity and the influence of occlusal trauma on prosthetic outcomes. Despite advances in materials and technology, achieving functional occlusion remains essential in minimizing complications and ensuring patient comfort. This review underscores the need for proper occlusal analysis during treatment planning to enhance clinical outcomes and extend the lifespan of dental restorations.

Correlations of temporomandibular joint morphology and position using cone-beam computed tomography and dynamic functional analysis in orthodontic patients: A cross-sectional study

Objective

To correlate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphology and position with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA), and Jaw Tracker (JT) to develop a radiation-free, dynamic method for screening and monitoring the TMJ in orthodontic patients.

Methods

A total of 236 orthodontic patients without symptoms of TMJ disorders who had undergone CBCT were selected for the JVA and JT tests in this cross-sectional study. TMJ position and morphology were measured using a three-dimensional analysis software. JT measurements involved six opening-closing cycles, and JVA measurements were performed using a metronome to guide the mouth opening-closing movements of the patients. The correlations among the three measuring devices were evaluated.

Results

Abnormalities in condylar surface morphology affected the mandibular range of motion. The cut-off value results show that when various measurement groups are within a certain range, abnormalities may be observed in morphology (area under the curve, 0.81; P < 0.001). A 300/< 300 Hz ratio ≥ 0.09 suggested abnormal morphology (P < 0.05). Correlations were observed among the maximum opening velocity, maximum vertical opening position, and joint spaces in the JT measurements. Correlations were also observed between the > 300/< 300 Hz ratio, median frequency, total integral, integral < 300 Hz, and peak frequency with joint spaces in the JVA measurements.

Conclusions

JT and JVA may serve as rapid, non-invasive, and radiation-free dynamic diagnostic tools for monitoring and screening TMJ abnormalities before and during orthodontic treatment.

Impact of clear aligner therapy on masticatory musculature and stomatognathic system: a systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions

BACKGROUND

Clear aligner therapy has gained popularity as a minimally invasive orthodontic treatment option. However, its impact on the masticatory musculature and the stomatognathic system is an area of growing interest, as it involves the adjustment of occlusion and tooth movement. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess and synthesise existing evidence regarding the influence of clear aligner therapy on the masticatory musculature and the stomatognathic system.

METHODS

An exhaustive search was performed on electronic databases that adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Clinical studies that evaluated the impact of patients receiving aligner orthodontic treatment on the muscles of the mastication and stomatognathic systems were included. A standardised data extraction form was devised for relevant variables. Two reviewers extracted the data variables. ROB-2 was used for bias evaluation in the selected studies.

RESULTS

A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria. The wearing of clear aligners significantly impacted the muscles of mastication. Muscle activity and discomfort showed a significant alteration in the initial days of appliance placement. but this observation was temporary, with no significant changes thereafter in subsequent follow-up. Bite force reduction was also noted. All the studies evaluated showed good methodological quality.

CONCLUSION

The review found that aligned orthodontic treatment may have a variable impact on muscles of mastication, with a potential for initial exacerbation of symptoms followed by possible improvement. However, due to the limited number of studies and their heterogeneous nature, further robust research is recommended to fully understand the relationship between aligned orthodontic treatment and masticatory muscles.

The association between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders diagnosis and disease characteristics

BACKGROUND

The association between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has been contentious in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the associations between orthodontic treatment and TMD diagnosis and diseases characteristics.

METHODS

This case-control study included 291 individuals, 192 TMDs and 99 controls. All patients underwent assessment based on a questionnaire and a clinical examination according to Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Differences in orthodontic treatment between TMDs and controls, as well as across different TMD diagnoses within the TMD group were analysed. Patients who underwent orthodontic treatment were compared to those who did not, regarding their trauma history, bruxism, aggressive teeth brushing, level of oral hygiene, pain scores, muscle tenderness scores and subjective sleep quality.

RESULTS

Of the 291 participants, 119 (40.9%) underwent orthodontic treatment and 172 (59.1%) had no orthodontics experience. Orthodontic treatment included: mandibular orthodontic treatment (102 subjects) and maxillary orthodontic treatment (113 subjects) of those 47 used a headgear. Following multivariate analysis among TMDs, orthodontic treatment was associated with a good level of oral hygiene versus poor (Odds ratio [OR]: 5.17 [1.04-25.59]), lower number of tender muscles [OR = 0.84 (0.74-0.96)] and lower (better) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores (OR = 0.86 [0.76-0.97]). None of the studied parameters maintained a statistically significant association with orthodontic treatment in the multivariate analysis among the entire study population.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilising a holistic approach, this study supports the main hypothesis that orthodontic treatment is not associated with TMD diagnosis and disease characteristics.

The Impact of Temporomandibular Disorders on Orthodontic Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The literature on the impact of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) on orthodontic management or vice versa lacks clarity. This study presents a review that aims to evaluate the influence of TMDs on orthodontic management and explore the association between TMDs and various aspects of orthodontic treatment. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases to identify relevant articles documenting the correlation between TMD incidence and orthodontic treatment to achieve the objectives. The selection process followed predefined criteria, and the selected studies underwent bias assessment using the AXIS tool and Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tool. Among the articles identified, nine studies were deemed suitable for inclusion in the review. The findings from the subsequent meta-analysis indicated a significant overall effect, suggesting that orthodontic treatment may increase the risk of developing TMD. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that patients with TMD had higher odds of experiencing orthodontic issues than those without TMD. Subgroup analysis further demonstrated that orthodontic treatment could have a negative impact on the psychological well-being of TMD patients, while its effect on TMD incidence was found to be negligible. The results highlight the need for additional research to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and develop appropriate interventions aimed at minimizing the risk of TMD in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Clinicians should be aware of TMD as a potential complication of orthodontic treatment and implement appropriate monitoring strategies.

Biometric Assessment of Temporomandibular Disorders in Orthodontics: A Multi-arm Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the role of fixed orthodontic treatment in the aggravation, precipitation, or alleviation of temporomandibular disorders in young adults.

METHODS

Sixty patients were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 15 patients each (group I, orthodontic treatment in temporomandibular disorder-free orthodontic patients; group II, orthodontic treatment in patients with mild symptoms of temporomandibular disorders; group III, splint therapy accompanied by orthodontic treatment in patients with moderate symptoms; and group IV, control with no treatment). The biometric equipment used were the T-scan, to analyze the occlusal component; the BioEMG for muscular analysis; BioJVA for temporomandibular joint acoustic analysis; and JT3D for mandibular kinematic analysis. The paired t-test and ANOVA were used for intragroup and intergroup comparisons, respectively. The difference between groups was assessed using post hoc Tukey's test.

RESULTS

Groups I and III showed significant difference in the occlusal, muscular, temporomandibular joint vibration, and kinematic mandibular assessment variables. Group II showed significant improvement in occlusal variables only. Group IV did not show improvement in any of the variables except for certain muscular components.

CONCLUSION

Successful practical utilization of biometric equipment revealed that fixed orthodontic treatment does not aggravate temporomandibular disorders. It was also found that temporomandibular disorders due to malocclusion can be treated successfully with orthodontic treatment, whereas temporomandibular disorders due to multifactorial temporomandibular joint and muscular components might require splint therapy before orthodontic intervention.

Association between orthodontic treatment and the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are related to a series of clinical manifestations that appear in the form of pain. Currently, there is controversy about the appearance of TMDs after orthodontic treatment. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the association between orthodontic treatment and the occurrence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).

Material and Methods

A bibliographic search was carried out until April 2022, in the following electronic databases: Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, Scielo, Google Scholar and Web of Science. We included studies that were case-control and cohort studies, dealing with the association between orthodontic treatment and TMD, in English and Spanish, and with no time limit. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess risk in the included studies. In addition, RevMan 5.3 was considered for meta-analysis, using as a measure the ODDS ratio in a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The preliminary search yielded a total of 686 articles, discarding those that did not meet the selection criteria, leaving only 6 articles. These studies reported that there is a significant association between orthodontic treatment and the occurrence of TMD, equivalent to an ODDS ratio of 1.84 with a confidence interval of 1.19-2.83.

Conclusions

It is concluded that there is an association between orthodontic treatment and the occurrence of TMD, therefore, a person undergoing orthodontic treatment is up to 1.84 times more likely to develop TMD. Key words:Orthodontic treatment, temporomandibular disorders, orthodontics, cases and controls, cohorts, review, Meta-Analysis.

CMD und Kieferorthopädie

Die Craniomandibuläre Dysfunktion (CMD) ist mit einer Prävalenz von über 30% die häufigste chronische Schmerzerkrankung im Kiefer- Gesichtsbereich. Die Therapie erfordert einen interdisziplinären, individuell angepassten Behandlungsansatz. Diese Fallvorstellung soll einen Einblick über das Behandlungskonzept eines posterior-lateralen Zwangsbisses mit Oberkiefer- Okklusionsschiene und OK/UK Alignern (Invisalign) geben.

Associations among Orthodontic History, Psychological Status, and Temporomandibular-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the associations among orthodontic history, psychological status, and temporomandibular-related quality of life.

METHODS

A questionnaire was developed and distributed to students in a local college, containing questions about demographic information, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), the Fonseca anamnestic index, and the Oral Health Impact Profile for Temporomandibular Disorders (OHIP-TMD). The respondents were divided into with orthodontic history (OS) group and without OS group. Binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression were performed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 531 valid questionnaires were collected, covering 161 participants with OS and 370 participants without OS. No statistically significant differences were observed in the scores of PHQ-4 between the two groups. There was statistical difference in the prevalence of TMD (with OS group, 54.66%; without OS group, 40.81%) and the mean value ( ± standard deviations) of the scores of OHIP-TMD (with OS group, 9.64 ± 12.36; without OS group, 6.64 ± 10.79) (p < 0.05). After adjusting confounding factors, participants with OS have worse temporomandibular-related quality of life and a higher risk of having TMD than the participants without OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthodontic history was related with the higher prevalence of TMD and worse temporomandibular-related quality of life, but not related with psychological distress, and the cause-and-effect relationship needs further exploration.

The relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders: A dental specialists' perspective

Introduction:

The relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and orthodontic treatment/malocclusion has changed from a cause-and-effect association to an idea without sufficient evidence.

Objective:

This survey was designed to assess the beliefs of different disciplines - orthodontists, oral surgeons, and oral medicine specialists - on the relationship between TMDs and orthodontic treatment, with regard to treatment, prevention and etiology of TMDs.

Method:

A survey in the form of questionnaire was designed and distributed to 180 orthodontists, 193 oral surgeons and 125 oral medicine specialists actively involved in treating TMDs. The questionnaire aimed to collect basic information about each participant and their beliefs, and clinical management of patients with TMDs.

Results:

Halve of the responding orthodontists and most of the oral surgeons (69.9%) were male participants, whereas the majority of oral medicine specialists (83.3%) were female respondents. The participants’ age ranged from 29 to 58 years. The majority of orthodontists believes that there is no relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMDs, and that orthodontic treatment does not provoke TMDs or prevent the onset of the disorder. However, oral surgeons and oral medicine specialists have different and conflicting opinions. Most surgeons tended to treat those patients, while most of the other two disciplines tended to seek an interdisciplinary approach. Chi-square test was done to find an association between the referral status and specialists’ experience, and to compare between the different disciplines’ belief.

Conclusions:

Orthodontist’s beliefs were in accordance with the scientific evidence, whereas most oral surgeons and oral medicine specialist believed that orthodontic treatment may provoke TMDs. Therefore, continuing program series development is important to embrace the concept of the multidisciplinary team approach and improve the health care and quality of life for those patients.

Investigation of the association between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction in the South Korean population

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in South Korean population.

Methods

This study obtained data from the 2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The final sample size was 5,567 participants who were ≥ 19 years of age. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD.

Results

Participants who underwent orthodontic treatment showed higher educational level, lower body mass index, reduced chewing difficulty, and reduced speaking difficulty. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for orthodontic treatment and TMD were 1.614 (1.189-2.190), 1.573 (1.162-2.129) and 1.612 (1.182-2.196) after adjusting for age, sex and psychosocial factors. Adjusted ORs and their 95% CIs for orthodontic treatment and clicking were 1.778 (1.289-2.454), 1.742 (1.265-2.400) and 1.770 (1.280-2.449) after adjusting for confounding factors. However, temporomandibular joint pain and functional impairment was not associated with orthodontic treatment.

Conclusions

Temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction was not associated with orthodontic treatment.

Temporomandibular disorders in growing patients after treatment of class II and III malocclusion with orthopaedic appliances: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the use of orthopaedic appliances in growing patients applied to correct Class II and III malocclusion is related to the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review was conducted between 1960 and July 2017, based on electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Scielo, Lilacs and Bireme. Controlled clinical trials (CCTs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. The articles were selected and analyzed by two authors independently. The quality of the evidence was determined according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Risk Bias Assessment Tool and the Cochrane Quality Study Guide.

RESULTS

Seven articles were included, four CCTs and three RCTs. The studies were grouped according to malocclusion treatment in (a) class II appliances (n = 4) and (b) class III appliances (n = 3). The quality of evidence was low due to the high risk of bias, independent of the association reported. All studies concluded that the use of orthopaedic appliances would not contribute to the development of TMD.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of evidence available is insufficient to establish definitive conclusions, since the studies were very heterogeneous and presented a high risk of bias. However, it is suggested that the use of orthopaedic appliances to correct class II and III malocclusion in growing patients would not be considered as a risk factor for the development of TMD. High-quality RCTs are required to draw any definitive conclusions.

Relationship between orthodontics and temporomandibular disorders

Since the end of the 20th century, the problems of the temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) have aroused interest to the orthodontists. The aim of this literature review is to present the contemporary evidence concerning the association between the presence of malocclusions and the occurrence of signs and symptoms of the TMJ. In addition, additional variables, which may affect the TMJs of a patient during the orthodontic treatment are pointed out. It is evident that there is an increased number of patients who are seeking for orthodontic treatment, not only in order to enhance their facial aesthetics and the function of mastication system, but also to relieve the symptoms of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). There are multiple etiological factors that have been associated with the TMDs and they may be manifested by pain and/or sounds of TMJ. In addition, during the clinical examination it can be detected a deviation from the normal function of the mandible.

The influence of the stomatognathic system on explosive strength: a pilot study

[Purpose] Recent findings suggest there is an interesting interaction between the stomatognathic system and the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the influence of the temporomandibular joint on the explosive strength of the lower limbs. [Subjects and Methods] An observational study was carried out. The subjects were 60 male football players who voluntarily participated in the investigation. After a warm-up phase of 10 minutes, each participant performed three Squat Jumps (SJ) with different mandible positions: mouth closed and mouth open. SJ heights were recorded using a Sensor Medica force platform and the FreeMed system. [Results] Sixty participants were enrolled in this study (age: 24 ± 7 yrs; height: 174 ± 4.6 cm; weight 63.7 ± 7.6 kg). The SJ heights with the mouth closed, 38.50 ± 4.0 cm, were shorter than those with the mouth open, 40.4 ± 4.1 cm. Statistical analysis showed there was a statistically significant difference between the performances. [Conclusion] This pilot study highlighted that occlusal factors can influence physical performance and this could have practical applications in sports and exercise science. However, our results have to be confirmed in studies with larger numbers of participants and supported by other investigations.