title: Correlations between mandibular asymmetries and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mandibular asymmetries are the fulcrum of many debates among modern orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons. The interest is even greater when facial asymmetries are correlated to the development of TMJ symptoms and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to investigate how mandibular asymmetries constitute etiological or predisposing factors for the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). We considered patients with mandibular asymmetries associated with TMD. Using orthodontic or surgical-orthodontic treatment, patients experienced correction of their TMJ symptoms. Thus, mandibular asymmetries represent a major risk factor for the development of TMD.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied a sample of 16 subjects aged between 14 and 36-years-old (11 females and 5 males) with mandibular asymmetries (81% structural asymmetry, 19% functional asymmetry). These subjects presented skeletal and dental malocclusions combined with several temporomandibular disorders, mostly due to muscle tension. In 100% of cases, patients received orthodontic treatment. We compared pre- and post-treatment postero-anterior (PA) cephalometric analyses in order to evaluate asymmetry resolution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Comparison of measurements from pre- and post-therapy PA cephalograms showed resolution of mandibular asymmetries after treatment. The treatment resolved mandibular asymmetries and completely eliminated temporomandibular symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Orthodontic treatment of patients presenting mandibular asymmetry enables correction of all TMJ symptoms and TMD. Mandibular symmetries can therefore be considered to constitute etiological or predisposing factors for the development of TMD.
authors.affiliation: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Clinica Odontoiatrica, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy. Electronic address: simonadippolito@alice.it.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: D'Ippolito
authors.affiliation: Via Michelini Tocci Franco 50, 00136 Roma (RM), Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ursini
authors.affiliation: Via Michelini Tocci Franco 50, 00136 Roma (RM), Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Giuliante
authors.affiliation: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Policlinico "A. Gemelli", 6° Piano, Scuola di Specializzazione in Ortognatodonzia, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Roma (RM), Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D002680:Chin / Q000473:pathology; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000502:physiology; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000502:physiology; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D056948:Orthognathic Surgical Procedures; D012307:Risk Factors; D013703:Temporal Muscle / Q000502:physiology; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult; D015050:Zygoma / Q000473:pathology
keywords: Asymmetry; Mandibular asymmetries; Temporomandibular disorders