Temporomandibular joint dysfunction in the retention period after orthodontic treatment in patients with distal occlusion

Distal occlusion, especially concurrent with dentition defects, can cause structural and functional changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The success of treatment for distä occlusion Is determined by the choice of a child’s age for the correction of a dentoalveolar anomaly, by selecting correctly an orthodontic appliance and cooperating well with a patient. Objective. To determine the probability of developing TMJ dysfunction In the retention period after the end of orthodontic treatment In patients with distal occlusion. Subjects and methods. The Investigation enrolled 185 patients of both sexes with distal occlusion, who were divided by age according to the stages of dentition development. After the end of active orthodontic treatment, a follow-up was continued In the retention period, the patients were examined once a year for three years to determine the risk of TMJ dysfunction. Results. Mter early orthodontic treatment In patients with distä occluäon, TMJ structural disorders were detected only In the 15-18year age group. These disorders were Identified In the third year of the retention period; these were Insignificant and had no cllnlcä manifestations. Conclusion. Early orthodontic treatment contributes to the normalization of the relative position of dentitions and to the achievement of physiological occlusion. Further dentoalveolar system development In the patients did not differ from the norm at the later stages of growth.

dentistry, distä occlusion, dentoalveolar system, orthodontic treatment, retention period, temporomandibular joint dysfunction