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Patients: This case report describes a procedure for assessing changes in occlusal relationships in patients with acquired open bites due to temporomandibular joint disease using an intraoral scanner (IOS). A digital impression was made using the IOS at the initial visit. Subsequent impressions were made every 6 months using the IOS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Standard triangulated language (STL) image files of two digital impressions at different points in time were superimposed, including the occlusal relationship with reference to the maxillary dentition. Finally, three-dimensional (3D) changes in the occlusal relationship over time were evaluated. Discussion: In Case 1, the superimposed STL image indicated almost no evident deviation of the mandible. Therefore, an orthodontic treatment was initiated. In contrast, in cases 2 and 3, where changes in the occlusal relationship continued, secondary treatment was postponed and patients continued to be monitored periodically. In case 3, even though left condyle resorption was progressive, the degree of open bite on the right side improved after 6 months. However, the open bite continued to progress for another 6 months despite the stability of the condyle. Conclusions: Changes in the condylar shape observed using imaging may not always reflect changes in the occlusal relationship. In addition to changes in the condyles and eminences of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), changes in the occlusal relationships of patients with acquired open bite should be evaluated using an intraoral scanner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This observational study aimed to elucidate the pathophysiology of subchondral cysts (SC) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and examine the results of conservative therapy administered to patients with SCs in the TMJ. Methods: The study included 41 patients with SCs, extracted from 684 consecutive patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The anatomical features of SCs and positional abnormalities of the articular disc were initially evaluated using MRI. A second MRI examination was performed for 28/41 patients at 40-107 months (mean, 66 months) after the first MRI. The joint space, anteroposterior width of the condylar head (WiC), articular eminence angle (AEA), and visual analog scale of jaw pain (VAS) were assessed alongside the MRI examinations. Results: Most SCs were present in the anterosuperior and central condyle. Disc displacement was observed in 100% of 42 TMJs with SCs. Of the 29 joints in 28 patients, SCs in 19 joints resolved with time, whereas SCs in 10 joints persisted. A significant increase in the WiC and a significant decrease in AEA and VAS scores were observed on the second MRI scan. Conclusions: SCs tended to form in the anterosuperior and central parts of the condyle, where mechanical loading was likely to be applied. SCs are strongly associated with articular disc displacement. Two-thirds of SCs resolved over time, accompanied by resorption and osteophytic deformation of the condyle. SC might not be an indicator for the start of surgical treatment, and nonsurgical treatment could improve the clinical symptoms of patients with SCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]