OCCLUSION

Occlusion is a subspecialty of Dentistry that aims at the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). TMDs are defined as a set of disorders involving the muscles of mastication, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and other associated structures.

The most common symptoms in patients with TMDs include: pain or discomfort in the face, muscles of mastication, ear, and neck; headaches; limitation, locking, or clicking in mouth opening; jaw deviation, difficulties in chewing.

Some studies indicate that symptom control is achieved in about 90% of cases with the use of medication, splints, physiotherapy, awareness, and postural reeducation.

The treatment of TMDs involves eliminating the main causes, and it often requires coordination with orthodontic treatment and oral rehabilitation to restore balance and rehabilitate missing teeth.