TMD and imaging techniques applied in orthodontic diagnosis

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is among the most important anatomical structures to be diagnosed in three-dimensional (3D) images. Despite the lack of scientific evidences on correlations between orthodontic treatments and temporomandibular disorders (TMD), the latter should be properly diagnosed, treated, and followed up during orthodontic treatment planning and execution. In this context, TMD diagnosis requires detailed clinical and imaging examinations from adequate methods such as conventional radiographs, medical computed tomography (CT), cone beam CT (CBCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography. Because of the anatomic complexity of the TMJ, 3D multiplanar reconstructions may be required in many cases to provide volumetric imaging analyses. For this purpose, bone alterations may be better visualized with CT and CBCT, whereas soft tissue alterations may require MRI scans, which are also useful to diagnose articular disc displacement and morphological alterations.