Examining the Impact of Orthodontic Interventions on Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders.

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Background:Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, commonly referred to as TMD, encompass a range of conditions characterized by symptoms such as pain, clicking, grating in the jaw joint, and difficulties with chewing or opening the jaw. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the role of orthodontics in addressing TMJ disorders.

Methods: The current study involved 172 patients, encompassing both genders, who presented with complaints of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders. Various TMJ disorders, including myositis, capsulitis, fibromyalgia, disc displacement, and MPDS, were taken into consideration. As part of the intervention, all patients were prescribed stabilization splints to be worn for 6 hours daily over a period of 4 months. Regular follow-up appointments were conducted, during which improvements were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Results: Among the 172 patients included in the study, there were 72 males and 100 females. The prevalence of common Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) varied between the genders. Specifically, myositis was observed in 12 males and 12 females, capsulitis in 18 males and 20 females, fibromyalgia in 10 males and 16 females, disc displacement in 16 males and 24 females, and MPDS in 20 males and 28 females. The observed differences between males and females in the occurrence of these TMDs were statistically significant (P < 0.05). This suggests a gender-related variation in the prevalence of specific TMJ disorders within the studied population.

Conclusion:
The authors of the study concluded that stabilizing splints proved to be beneficial in the management of patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs). This suggests that the prescribed use of stabilization splints, worn for six hours a day over a four-month period, led to improvements in the symptoms and conditions associated with TMDs in the studied patient population.

Keywords: Myositis, temporomandibular joint, symptoms