Edition V14N06 | Year 2009 | Editorial What’s new in DInterviewistry | Pages 12 to 13
It is increasingly common to receive individuals referred by colleagues in the medical field from various specialties, for treatment of pain and or dysfunction of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscle, known as Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). These patients are usually teenagers or young adults, who have some type of skeletal or dental malocclusion, and were already assessed for the possible presence of other disturbances with the potential to cause pain or dysfunction in the orofacial area, such as primary headaches, ear infections or sinusitis, among many others. When examining the patient, the clinician, not uncommonly, will find a malocclusion, with an indication of orthodontic treatment to correct it. At this moment, a storm of thoughts, doubts and fears starts in the head of the professional. Is indicated the treatment of malocclusion for the relief of signs and symptoms of TMD? Is there some kind of appliance or mechanics that should be avoided for these cases? What is the risk of worsening of symptoms with orthodontic therapy?