Evaluation of condylar position in patients with malocclusion and changes in condylar position before and after orthodontic treatment using cone beam computed tomography

The functional health and stability of the oral and maxillofacial system is one of the basic goals of orthodontic treatment. Currently, it is believed that, in general, the condyle is located in the center of the joint fossa when the mandible is in an intercuspal position (ICP) in healthy normal people. At this time, the function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is stable. Due to orthodontic tooth movement and subsequent occlusal changes, patients with malocclusion may experience related remodeling of the temporomandibular joint, especially changes in the position of the condyle. The position of the mandibular condyle is traditionally evaluated using a condylar position indicator. However, this method lacks consistency in obtaining condylar position changes. In recent years, in the clinical application of orthodontic treatment, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become the first choice for examination. CBCT can accurately measure the interarticular space and determine changes in condylar position. This article reviews the CBCT assessment of condylar position and related research on condylar position changes in patients with malocclusion before and after orthodontic treatment. The literature review results indicate that there are differences in the condylar position of patients with different malocclusions, and the condylar position may also change before and after orthodontic treatment. With a lower radiation dose, CBCT has higher accuracy in evaluating the condylar position in patients with malocclusion who undergo orthodontic treatment, thus promoting further study of the mechanism of condylar position changes in patients with malocclusion in the future and providing more accurate and personalized guidance for patient treatment.