Title
Impact of orthodontic treatment on temporomandibular joint function among adolescents: A longitudinal study
Authors
Prasanth Prathapan Santhakumari1,*, Sanu Tom Abraham1, Eldho Thuruthumalil Paul1, Eunice John1, Alen Eldho1 & Vighnesh Varma Raja2
Affiliation
1Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Nellikuzhi, Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India; 2Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Annoor Dental College and Hospital, Muvattupuzha Ernakulam, Kerala, India; *Corresponding author
Prasanth Prathapan Santhakumari - E-mail: dr.prashant.ortho@gmail.com
Sanu Tom Abraham - E-mail: drsanutom@yahoo.co.in
Eldho Thuruthumalil Paul - E-mail: dreldho@gmail.com
Eunice John - E-mail: eunicejohn9189@gmail.com
Alen Eldho - E-mail: dr.aleneldho@gmail.com
Vighnesh Varma Raja - E-mail: drvighneshvr@yahoo.co.in
Article Type
Research Article
Date
Received July 1, 2025; Revised July 31, 2025; Accepted July 31, 2025, Published July 31, 2025
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.
Keywords
Orthodontic treatment, temporomandibular joint, adolescents, TMJ dysfunction, longitudinal study, RDC/TMD
Citation
Santhakumari et al. Bioinformation 21(7): 1982-1985 (2025)
Edited by
Hiroj Bagde, PhD
ISSN
0973-2063
Publisher
License
This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. This is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
