Occlusal changes secondary to temporomandibular joint conditions: a critical review and implications for clinical practice

OBJECTIVES The aim of this article is to present the most commonly occlusal changes secondary to TMD. METHODS The clinical presentation of these conditions is discussed. Details regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients presenting TMD prior or during treatment are also presented. CONCLUSIONS All plans for irreversible therapy should be preceded by a meticulous analysis of TMD signs and symptoms in such a way that patients are not submitted to irreversible treatment, based on an untrue occlusal relationship, secondary to articular and/or muscular disorders. When present, TMD symptoms must always be controlled to reestablish a "normal" occlusion and allow proper treatment strategy.