The effects of dynamic biomechanics on the treatment temporomandibular osteoarthritis

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) has considerable prevalence with 13-58.3% of the population. The signs and symptoms of TMJ-OA include joint pain, clicking and crepitus, limited mouth opening, mandibular movement dysfunction, as well as facial esthetic changes, which cause the limited functions of mastication and speech. TMJ-OA could be caused by many factors, but the etiopathogenesis is still unclear. The condylar movements and TMJ loading were proved to be closely related with TMJ-OA, but the specific mechanical parameters were still not known. This is a biomechanical study about the influences of TMJ-OA on the TMJ kinematics and the effects of the individual temporomandibular orthotics on the therapy of TMJ-OA.