Resolving the problems and controversies surrounding temporo-mandibular mechanics

Physics Doesn't Bite-A Simple Experiment for Introducing Biomechanical Operational Principles of the Temporomandibular Joint

Biophysics is rarely mentioned as one of the most useful parts of dental and medical students' curricula. However, with the growing complexity of tools and methods used in diagnostics and therapy, the knowledge of their physical foundations becomes important and helps with choosing the optimal solutions for both, a patient and a doctor. The aim of the proposed activity is to develop students' intuition about simple physical models that help with understanding fundamental properties of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A simple device, which allows for bite force measurement, is proposed. It is based on beam bending and a strain gauge Wheatstone bridge circuit mounted on two connected arms: the stiff one and the more elastic one. Linear regression is the only mathematical concept needed for understanding the physical background of the proposed activity. During the proposed activity-measuring of bite force for incisors, premolars, and molars-students are confronted with basic concepts, such as lever, torque, electrical circuit, calibration curve. By utilizing a simple idea, instead of a commercially available device, students can understand where the data come from. Proposed system delivers physiologically reasonable results.

Biological Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Disc Disorders: Strategies in Tissue Engineering

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an important structure for the masticatory system and the pathologies associated with it affect a large part of the population and impair people's lifestyle. It comprises an articular disc, that presents low regeneration capacities and the existing clinical options for repairing it are not effective. This way, it is imperative to achieve a permanent solution to guarantee a good quality of life for people who suffer from these pathologies. Complete knowledge of the unique characteristics of the disc will make it easier to achieve a successful tissue engineering (TE) construct. Thus, the search for an effective, safe and lasting solution has already started, including materials that replace the disc, is currently growing. The search for a solution based on TE approaches, which involve regenerating the disc. The present work revises the TMJ disc characteristics and its associated diseases. The different materials used for a total disc replacement are presented, highlighting the TE area. A special focus on future trends in the field and part of the solution for the TMJ problems described in this review will involve the development of a promising engineered disc approach through the use of decellularized extracellular matrices.

Comparative Evaluation of Occlusion before and after Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder-Myofascial Pain with Referral

The aim of the study was to evaluate occlusal parameters in patients with myofascial pain with referral before and after soft tissue mobilization. The study group consisted of 50 people (37 females and 13 males, average age 23.36 ± 2.14 years) diagnosed with myofascial pain with referral. All patients underwent triplicate soft tissue mobilization. Occlusal parameters were evaluated six times, before and after each treatment, using T-scan III. A decreasing tendency of the occlusion time was observed after the first, second, and third therapy. After the third treatment, the mean occlusion time in the entire study group was 0.119 s. The 1st soft tissue mobilization shortened both right and left disclusion times to 0.181 s and 0.185 s, respectively. After the third treatment, these parameters amounted to 0.159 s and 0.165 s, respectively. The Friedman test for the entire study group indicated that soft tissue mobilization altered the occlusion time and both disclusion times (p < 0.05). In conclusion, soft tissue mobilization affects biotensegrity of the masticatory system, thus modifying occlusal parameters. The occlusion time and both disclusion times cannot be considered as cofactors of the existing temporomandibular disorders-myofascial pain with referral.