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Lateral open bite resulting from acute temporomandibular joint effusion
1Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK.
The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Acute open bite malocclusions can result from sudden temporomandibular joint effusion, causing condyle displacement. This occurs even without mandibular fracture, as seen in trauma and rheumatoid arthritis cases.
Area of Science:
- Dental Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Acute open bite is a malocclusion characterized by a vertical gap between the incisal edges of the anterior teeth when the posterior teeth are in occlusion.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can lead to significant changes in mandibular position and dental occlusion.
- Sudden effusions within the TMJ can cause rapid anatomical changes, impacting the joint space and condylar position.
Observation:
- Two distinct cases presenting with acute open bite malocclusion are detailed.
- Case 1 involved trauma to the mandible, leading to TMJ effusion without a fracture.
- Case 2 involved an acute episode of rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in TMJ effusion and subsequent malocclusion.
Findings:
- The malocclusions were attributed to a rapid increase in the volume of the temporomandibular joint space.
- This sudden increase in joint volume led to the displacement of the mandibular condyle.
- Acute effusion in the TMJ was identified as the primary cause of condylar displacement and subsequent open bite.
Implications:
- These findings highlight a non-fracture related mechanism for acute open bite development.
- Understanding TMJ effusion's role is crucial for diagnosing and managing sudden malocclusions.
- This emphasizes the importance of considering TMJ pathology in cases of acute dental occlusion changes, particularly in patients with inflammatory conditions or trauma history.