title: Factors involved in the etiology of temporomandibular disorders - a literature review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review aims at presenting a current view on the most frequent factors involved in the mechanisms causing temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a critical review of the literature for the period January 2000 to December 2014 to identify factors related to TMD development and persistence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The etiology of TMD is multidimensional: biomechanical, neuromuscular, bio-psychosocial and biological factors may contribute to the disorder. Occlusal overloading and parafunctions (bruxism) are frequently involved as biomechanical factors; increased levels of estrogen hormones are considered biological factors affecting the temporo-mandibular-joint. Among bio-psychosocial factors, stress, anxiety or depression, were frequently encountered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The etiopathogenesis of this condition is poorly understood, therefore TMDs are difficult to diagnose and manage. Early and correct identification of the possible etiologic factors will enable the appropriate treatment scheme application in order to reduce or eliminate TMDs debilitating signs and symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Andrea Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chisnoiu
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Alina Monica
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Picos
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Sever
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Popa
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Alba Iulia Emergency Regional Hospital, Romania.
authors.forename: Petre Daniel
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Chisnoiu
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Liana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lascu
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Andrei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Picos
authors.affiliation: Department of Odontology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Radu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chisnoiu
keywords: etiology; factors; pathogenesis; temporomandibular joint disorder