Orthodontic Treatment and Temporo-mandibular Disorders - A Tale of Two Paradoxes

Abstract

The controversy on the causal or curative relationship between orthodontic treatment and Temporo-Mandibular Disorders (TMD) has been reported for several decades. This review highlighted the associations between orthodontic treatment of malocclusion and TMDs. It also provided empirical evidence on the relationship between malocclusion, orthodontic treatment mechanics and extraction of teeth protocols on TMDs. Thus far, there is no concrete evidence that demonstrates an elevated risk of developing TMD through orthodontic treatment as well as evidence that TMD can be permanently cured by orthodontic treatment