Abstract:

Different sagittal and vertical malocclusions exhibit different characteristics in the growth, development, and final morphology of the temporomandibular joint. Different skeletal malocclusions affect the spatial and morphological characteristics of the final temporomandibular joint through different growth and development mechanisms. These mechanisms have important guiding significance for determining the etiology and guiding treatment plans of maxillofacial malocclusion in children and adolescents in clinical practice. This article summarized and analyzed morphological differences of the temporomandibular joint fossa and condyle in different sagittal and vertical malocclusions, as well as the relative position of the condyle in the fossa. It is found that there is a connection between different maxillofacial malocclusions and the characteristics of the temporomandibular joint, with the vertical direction having a more significant impact on the temporomandibular joint than the sagittal direction;the impact of vertical malocclusion on the temporomandibular joint is mainly reflected in the shape of the joint fossa and the position of the condyle in the fossa. The joint fossa of hyperdivergent malocclusion is often relatively low and flat, with the condyle located in the anterior upper position of the fossa. The joint fossa of hypodivergent is relatively narrow and deep, and the condyle is relatively backward and lower in the joint fossa. The possible mechanisms were also elaborated, providing reference for clinicians’ comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.

Key words: children, adolescent, vertical skeletal pattern, sagittal skeletal pattern, temporomandibular joint