Understanding the mechanical loading conditions within the TMJ could improve orthopedic therapies to modify jaw growth. Human studies where the magnitude and frequency of TMJ loading were measured to distinguish dentofacial phenotypes and predict longitudinal TMJ change will be highlighted. These measurements are being applied to understand better the mechanisms involved with condylar growth and the susceptibility of the TMJ to degenerative changes. This presentation will describe how clinical treatment records and data collected via validated approaches are employed in ongoing long-term studies at OHSU. Future clinical approaches that could modify loading conditions to achieve more successful and predictable orthopedic therapies in children with jaw discrepancies will be discussed.
- Define useful measurements of jaw loading mechanics and behaviors.
- Describe differences in jaw loading mechanics and behaviors between facial types.
- Recognize factors that could improve orthopedic therapies in future.
Dr. Laura Iwasaki is Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthodontics at Oregon Health & Science University. Her research focus is the biomechanics of the human craniomandibular complex with special interests in the TMJ, jaw muscles, and tooth movement. She is currently the principal investigator of “Mechanobehavior distinguishes mandibular growth difference in two facial types,” a project funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Her responsibilities include clinical and didactic teaching and research supervision in the advanced education, dental and graduate programs. Dr. Iwasaki received her formal education at the Universities of British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. She is a Diplomate of the ABO and has been involved in the clinical practice of orthodontics for several decades.