ATM et orthodontie, « passé, présent et futur »

In the past, the ATM was mainly associated with the growth of the mandibular condyle. Many studies (on rats) showed the role of condylar cartilage in the growth response following stimulation by orthopedic appliances. From where, Class II dysmorphosis “orthopedic” treatments to grow the mandible; but this concept is discussed in the literature in the absence of fully conclusive results and especially since the contribution of orthognathic surgery. Currently, the operating concept is the mechanical stimulation and therefore the function will shape the ATM during growth and that, from an early age. Prevention of dysmorphoses must go through behavioral counseling to be adopted by parents from the birth of their child: to stimulate mandibular propulsion breastfeeding, then by a hard diet inducing an alternating unilateral chewing. Ignorance of the specificity of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) notably among teenagers has, in the past, left a doubt about the positive or negative role that could have orthodontic treatment on the TMJ. Currently, the best knowledge of TMJ and TMD provides a better therapeutic conduct: behavioral counseling especially for the girl hyperdivergente with small condyles, control of the condylar position, occlusal adjustments at the end of orthodontic treatment. The future of TMJ in relation with orthodontics is based on prevention, screening and deepening of our knowledge. The orthodontist will thus not make a treatment in patients at risk or will identify it and finish the treatment perfectly.