Occlusal changes secondary to temporomandibular joint conditions: a critical review and implications for clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to present the most commonly occlusal changes secondary to TMD.

METHODS: The clinical presentation of these conditions is discussed. Details regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients presenting TMD prior or during treatment are also presented.

CONCLUSIONS: All plans for irreversible therapy should be preceded by a meticulous analysis of TMD signs and symptoms in such a way that patients are not submitted to irreversible treatment, based on an untrue occlusal relationship, secondary to articular and/or muscular disorders. When present, TMD symptoms must always be controlled to reestablish a "normal" occlusion and allow proper treatment strategy.