Commentary

The current evidence in the literature suggests that there is no direct link between orthodontic treatment and TMD. Orthodontists are nevertheless occasionally blamed for TMD after treatment. In the late 1980s, a high-profile lawsuit in the US startled the orthodontic community and, as a result, many good studies were conducted and published to better understand the relationship between treatment and impact on the temporomandibular joint. Many reviews have been published for the busy practitioner and although some are well designed, they have often been biased because of the lack of a formal methodology.

This study is a meta-analysis based on the current clinical literature relating to orthodontic treatment and TMD. The authors must be congratulated for reviewing the available literature in a systematic manner, and for providing answers to relevant clinical questions. These can be summarized: does orthodontic treatment, the use of a specific appliance or extraction during orthodontic treatment, change the prevalence of TMD?

This extensive literature review identified 960 articles of which only 31 met the study’s inclusion criteria for data extraction. The information was further divided according to study design (18 cross-sectional and 13 longitudinal) and clinical presentation (signs, symptoms or indexes). None of the studies reviewed indicated that traditional orthodontics (fixed, removable or functional appliances) increase the prevalence of TMD (except for mild signs). In addition, there was no correlation between orthodontic appliances and an increase in these disorders.

Importantly, the paper revealed that the outcome measures used to evaluate TMD were unreliable and there was a lack of consensus in reporting. As a result of the diversity in outcome measures, a true meta-analysis was not carried out: perhaps the greatest weakness of the study. This, however, highlights the need to standardise the reporting of clinical information with regards to orthodontic treatment and TMD in future studies.

Therefore, the question, “is there a relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD?” has a cautious “No” as the answer, based on current evidence, The evidence on which we base our foundation needs to be improved to better understand the aetiology of TMD and to ensure that any risks involved, no matter how small, are reduced when patients are treated.

Practice point

  • Current evidence shows no definite link between orthodontics and TMD but more research is required.