The orthodontic treatment of patients who have disorders of the temporomandibular joint is always difficult because the changes in occlusion are influenced by the unstable position of the condyles.
This characteristic determines the lack of precise criteria that allow a proper orthodontic diagnosis, so that a reliable treatment plan can be established.
This presentation reports on the principles of treatment of patients with TMD. A stabilizing splint should be used before any active orthodontic movement of the teeth to stabilize the condylar position.
Once the condylar position is stabilized after splint therapy, functional occlusion and facial aesthetics are resolved by orthodontic treatment with appropriate orthodontic mechanics.