Temperomandibular disorder (TMD) and orthodontics-A review

Myogenous temporomandibular disorders (or masticatory myalgia) are characterized by pain and dysfunction that arise from pathologic and functional processes in the masticatory muscles. There are several distinct muscle disorder subtypes in the masticatory system, including myofascial pain, myositis, muscle spasm, and muscle contracture. Goals of treatment of masticatory myalgia include reducing or eliminating pain, restoring normal jaw function, reducing the need for future health care, and restoring normal lifestyle functioning. The short-term strategy is to restore the muscle to normal length, posture, and full joint range of motion with exercises. The long-term strategy includes reducing the symptoms through muscle rehabilitation while helping the patient to reduce contributing factors, muscle tension and strain, and return to normal function without the need for future health care. This paper summarizes each aspect of TMD in orthodontics.