Progress in morphology of temporomandibular joints in different sagittal skeletal patterns

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the most important oral-maxillo-facial joint. Its morphological structure and physiological function are of great significance on long-term stability of treatment results for orthodontics, prosthodontics, occlusal reconstruction, and orthognathic patients. The morphological characteristics of TMJ are affected by many factors, including the cranio-maxillo-facial anatomy, sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, occlusion of dentition, and function of masticatory muscle. In recent years, due to the improvement of prosthodontic and orthodontic treatment concepts and imaging technology, studies on the distinction of TMJ morphology among different sagittal skeletal patterns have increased. However, there are some differences in the results, and there is a lack of review and summary, leading to no definite conclusions at present. This article aims to summarize the relationship between TMJ morphology and sagittal skeletal patterns from the view of position and morphology of the glenoid fossa and condyle, and analyze the differences among various studies, hoping to further clarify the relationship between different sagittal skeletal patterns and the TMJ morphological characteristics.

Keywords

• temporomandibular joint
• sagittal skeletal patterns
• skeletal malocclusion
• condyle morphology
• glenoid fossa