Mathematical models for evaluating reduced condylar compression

Over 10 million Americans suffer from disorders and/or diseases affecting temporomandibular joints (TMJs). However, comparison to the other joint systems of the body, relatively little research has been focused on the TMJs. It is important to know both the magnitude and direction of joint loading for both treatment and prevention of TMJ disorders. Direct measurements of condylar loading have been attempted on primates. However, evidence suggests that primates are not the most accurate human analogues for TMJ studies. Also, such investigations are extremely difficult, as can be seen by only three available reports of this type of work. Mathematical models provide an alternative to direct measurement. A mathematical model has been developed to test the efficacy of a dental appliance that reduces condylar compression