Orthodontic/orthopedic treatment of craniomandibular pain dysfunction. Part 1: diagnosis with transcranial radiographs.

AbstractCraniomandibular dysfunction is a phenomenon with multiple causes. The most commonly cited of these factors are occlusal problems, stress, and condylar displacements. Craniomandibular dysfunction problems are more common than most practitioners have thought, and every orthodontic practice will come in contact with a significant number of these disorders.Since every orthodontic treatment is in reality a “full-mouth reconstruction” or orthopedic case when the craniomandibular relationship is taken into consideration, it is important that orthodontists recognize the extent of the craniomandibular dysfunction and correct it as best as possible with orthodontic/orthopedic treatment. Particular attention should be paid to the final placement of the condyles and the functional articulation (assuming that goals for skeletal and soft tissue harmony have been met). Transcranial radiographs should be made of each patient as treatment nears completion, and he or she should be carefully examined for posterior ...