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Is it time to pay more attention to disc position?
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232.
Journal of Orofacial Pain
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement is crucial for preventing mandibular deformity and growth issues. Restoring normal disc-condyle alignment aids functional appliance therapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Orthodontics
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Background:
- Current treatments for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangements prioritize pain relief over disc displacement correction.
- Internal derangements can lead to progressive condylar deformity and mandibular deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that TMJ disc displacement causes condylar deformity and growth retardation.
- To emphasize the importance of reestablishing normal disc-condyle relationships in TMJ treatment.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing data and clinical observations regarding TMJ internal derangements and their impact on mandibular growth.
- It analyzes the relationship between disc position and condylar morphology.
Main Results:
- A displaced disc may result in condylar deformity and growth retardation.
- A normally positioned disc supports normal condylar growth and mass.
- Functional appliance therapy is most effective when the condyle is properly positioned relative to the disc.
Conclusions:
- Reestablishing a normal disc-condyle relationship should be a primary goal in treating TMJ disc displacement.
- Functional appliance therapy for mandibular deficiency is enhanced by a normal disc-condyle relationship or by advancing the condyle under the disc if displacement is reducible.