Does Orthodontic Treatment Have a Therapeutic Effect on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders?

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are common conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and related structures. They often cause orofacial pain, joint sounds, and limitations in mandibular movement. For many years, the relationship between malocclusion, orthodontic treatment, and TMD has been widely discussed. In the past, it was suggested that orthodontic treatment could improve TMD symptoms by correcting occlusal relationships and reducing mechanical stress on the joint. However, current scientific evidence does not support a direct or causal link between specific malocclusion types and TMD. Recent studies indicate that TMD has a multifactorial etiology, in which psychosocial factors, parafunctional habits, trauma, and individual adaptation play a more important role than occlusion alone. Systematic reviews and long-term prospective studies show that orthodontic treatment is not a primary treatment option for TMD and does not increase the risk of developing these disorders. Improvements in TMD symptoms reported during or after orthodontic treatment are often related to the natural course of the condition, psychosocial adaptation, or nonspecific treatment effects rather than to direct biomechanical changes. This review aims to evaluate the relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular joint disorders based on current evidence and to provide clinicians with a clear and evidence-based perspective for clinical practice.