[Optimizing the clinical diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder]

Standard TMJ is the key to the morphology of the face as it enables the occlusive function and spatially situates the chin. The diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint disorders is made intricate not only by the multifactorial etiology of these pathologies but also by the difficulty to comprehend the pain felt by the patient. Through a review of the literature and our respective practices (over 30 years) and teachings, this article surveys the main principles of temporomandibular joint disorder. As numerous writers have focused on the problems created by TMJ pathologies, it's only natural that various therapeutic approaches be suggested. What primarily matters is that they lead to a stabilization of the occlusion. As far as diagnosis is concerned, only a precise and rigorous protocol - followed by everyone - can produce a therapeutic result that would be acceptable for each patient. The orthodontist can and must be the coordinator of the cross-disciplinary team. He steps in over 72 % of temporomandibular joint disorder cases and proposes the most conservative, cheapest, and the best cost/benefit ratio for the patient.