TMJ internal derangement treatment in the growing patient: effect of functional appliance therapy on condyle and fossa relocation

New biodynamic factors seem to be involved on condyle and fossa remodeling and relocation, conditioning to mandibular growth direction, size and morphology. The understanding of the mechanism of action is critical for treatment of TMJ dysfunction in children and youths for those who hope to treat and retain the achieved correction during growth. The purpose of this article is to describe a specific, non-muscular hypothesis that explains the way the condyle modifies and the fossa remodels and relocates to achieved a new therapeutic, stable position, creating an anatomical base for long-term retention of the results. A case report of a young patient will be illustrated and available clinical data will be discussed.