Jaw Joint Priority Orthodontics

Jaw Joint Priority Orthodontics

Orthodontic closure problems are called Class 1, Class 2, Class 3. In classical orthodontic treatment planning, the goal is always to achieve a Class 1 dental closure relationship and it is sufficient to see this only in the mouth.

However, even if the treatments are completed in a Class 1 closure relationship, if the lower jaw joint is not stable, the location of the joint and the dental closure are not compatible:

Returns in orthodontic treatment,

Pain in the masticatory muscles, lower jaw joint and head and neck region,
Fractures or cracks in the teeth,
Excessive tooth wear and gum recession may be observed.
In order to avoid such problems, the lower jaw joint must be stable and move in harmony with the teeth when the jaw opens and closes. In order to diagnose this harmony, the jaws must be transferred to a device called an articulator, which mimics jaw movements, in centric relation at the beginning of the treatment.

In some cases, if there is a joint problem at the beginning of the treatment, the use of a splint may be necessary for a correct diagnosis before starting orthodontic treatment (jaw joint treatment). The most important stage in joint-first treatment is the records obtained before the treatment begins.
These records consist of facial photographs and intraoral photographs, plaster models obtained from mouth measurements and 2-dimensional panoramic and cephalometric x-ray films, as well as 3-dimensional Computerized Tomography and/or MR images when deemed necessary and transferring them to devices that mimic the patient's jaw movements, which we call articulators.
Directing the lower jaw joint to the correct position and transferring it allows the difference between it and the usual dental closure to be diagnosed.
The upper jaw is transferred by fixing the rods (facebow) placed in the patient's ears and supported by the nose with the intraoral part (bite fork).
The lower jaw is transferred by transferring the centric relationship waxes obtained by directing the joint to the correct position from the patient to the articulator. Performing an articulator transfer shows where the patient's first tooth contact is and where the skeletal position is when the mandibular joint is positioned correctly.

This transfer and joint priority treatment principle:

Determines our treatment limits.
Ensures that the correct treatment plan is made.
Determining the skeletal and dental limits allows the patient's expectations and what the physician can do considering these expectations to be determined.
Minimizes treatment-related complications.
Increases treatment permanence.