# Impact of orthodontic treatment on temporomandibular joint function among adolescents: A longitudinal study

## TL;DR

This study examines how orthodontic treatment affects jaw joint function in adolescents over 12 months.

## Contribution

The study provides longitudinal evidence that orthodontic treatment does not harm TMJ health in adolescents.

## Key findings

- Fixed orthodontic treatment caused temporary joint noises and tenderness at 6 months.
- Mandibular movement increased significantly (p = 0.032) over 12 months.
- No long-term TMJ degeneration was observed in most participants.

## Abstract

The alteration in the functionality of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) during adolescence among participants receiving fixed
orthodontic treatment over the period of 12 months is of interest. The sixty participants between 12-17 years were measured at baseline,
6 months and 12 months according to the RDC/TMD criteria. There were brief episodes of augmented joint noises and tenderness at 6 months
and these were enhanced by 12 months. The mandibular movement increased tremendously (p = 0.032) whereas there was no TMJ degeneration
in the long-term among most patients. Thus, fixed orthodontic orthotic does not affect the health of TMJ among adolescents.