Electromyography in Orthodontics

Electromyography (EMG), is the most reliable method which records muscle function and activity by the electric potentials. EMG is an examination in which the muscle activity is monitored and interpreted. The registrations obtained using EMG are called ‘electromyograms’; the vehicle that provides the link between biological tissue and the registration system is called ‘electrode’. Electromyographic recordings can be obtained using surface and/or needle electrodes. Surface EMG (sEmg) is a noninvasiv method, does not result with an infection, but it is difficult to get recordings from deep and smaller muscles. EMG method is widely used in dentistry and in orthodontics. It is used in researches, clinical practice, in the study of muscle activity and function, also in the diagnosis of muscle asymmetry and paralysis. The aim of this study is to review the determination of electrical activity of the masticatory muscles with EMG method, the factors that influence this activity, the use of surface EMG in subjects having malocclusion and to describe the role of EMG in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint problems.