Attitude of Chinese orthodontists towards the relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVE: To determine the attitude of some Chinese orthodontists towards the relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 25 orthodontists, in six public hospitals (Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, China), were asked to complete a 10-item questionnaire concerning orthodontics/TMD. RESULTS: 84% of orthodontists often asked their patients about the signs and symptoms of TMD before orthodontic treatment and 92% reported examining the TMJ region. 76% of orthodontists thought orthodontic treatment may possibly lead to a greater incidence of TMD, while 84 per cent claimed that orthodontic treatment might prevent TMD. Methods of orthodontic treatment, patient's age, and occlusal interference were regarded as risk factors leading to increased incidence of TMD. CONCLUSIONS: Some Chinese orthodontists realise the importance of the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD. Most thought that unsuitable orthodontic treatment might increase the development of TMD and that orthodontic treatment could prevent TMD.