Temporomandibular joint in orthodonthics

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and neuromuscular changes after surgical-orthodontic treatment of orofacial deformities with TMD. Material and Methods: The study was based on a group of 220 dysgnathic patients. Were evaluated skeletal and dental malocclusion type, TMJ pain, headache, cervical pain, otovestibular symptoms and by electromyography and kinesiography the muscular activity and the mandibular movements. Results: The post-treatment results showed that almost all craniomandibular symptoms were significantly reduced postoperatively above all muscular spasms (96%) and headache (61%), (P<0,01); mandibular kinesology (81%) was improved (P<0,01). Also cervical pain, otovestibular and postural symptoms seem to benefit from treatment. Conclusion: Even if preoperatively asymptomatic patients with TMJ problems after surgery (8,8%) have resulted (P<0,1), the combined surgical-orthodontic treatment may be of a great benefit in the correction of severe orofacial deformities associated to temporomandibular disorders.