[The relationships between orthodontics and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A review of the literature and longitudinal study].

The fist part of this study concerns a literature review on temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). There exists an equal amount of literature relating occlusal interferences to TMD, as there are reports denying any causal relationship. It is remarkable, however, that the latter reports are relatively recent. The relationship between the Angle classification and TMD is reported to be only weak in a "normal" orthodontic population. The relationship between morphologic malocclusion, e.g. deep bites or crossbites, with TMD seems to be somewhat stronger. The vast majority of the reports did not find any relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment or extractions. Our own longitudinal prospective study could not reveal any systematic relationship between orthodontic treatment or extractions and TMD.