Adaptive remodeling of temporomandibular joint following anterior disc displacement and treatment decision making

Anterior disc displacement (ADD) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the common oral diseases. The TMJ can be remodeled after disc displacement. The author's recent studies show that remodeled bilaminar zone is similar to the disc in composition and functions. The remodeled condyle can match the disc-like bilaminar zone. The new disc-condylar relationship can, to a certain extent, restore the function of the TMJ. Based on these studies, the author believes that the adaptive remodeling in TMJ has important guiding significance for clinical treatment and discusses the views of the treatment decision for various stages of temporomandibular disorders. Key words: Temporomandibular joint disk; Anterior disc displacement; Adaptive remodeling