Airway centric TMJ philosophy

Area of Science:

• Dental Medicine
• Sleep Science
• Orthodontics

Background:

• The airway is essential for respiration, sleep quality, and daytime performance.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and occlusal issues can impact airway function.
• A holistic approach is needed to manage airway, TMJ, and occlusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and define the Airway Centric paradigm.
• To emphasize the primacy of airway management in dental and occlusal philosophies.
• To outline the sequential importance of airway, joint/muscle, and occlusion.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development.
• Literature review on airway, TMJ, and occlusion.
• Establishing a hierarchical model for treatment considerations.

Main Results:

• The Airway Centric paradigm places the airway as the foundational element.
• Temporomandibular joint and muscle function are secondary to airway patency.
• Occlusion is the final component to be addressed within this paradigm.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing airway patency is fundamental for overall health and function.
• A comprehensive dental approach must integrate airway, TMJ, and occlusal management.
• The Airway Centric model provides a structured framework for clinical decision-making.