Efectos de los aparatos propulsores mandibulares fijos en la articulación temporomandibular

Fixed mandibular propulsion appliances are an alternative for the treatment of Class II malocclusion in individuals with mandibular deficiency. Since they are fixed appliances, said devices keep the mandible in an anterior-forced position during rest and during all mandibular functions. When a propulsive appliance is used, the lower jaw is displaced forward and downward. This movement leads to a new position of the condyle, which can, ultimately affect the normal functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this paper was to review effects of fixed mandibular propulsive appliance on TMJ. Inclusion criteria considered studies on animals or humans using TMJ radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Studies confirm a favorable relation between condyle and glenoid fossa following treatment with fixed mandibular propulsion appliances.