Long-term stability of mandibular orthopedic repositioning.

Mandibular anterior repositioning appliances attempt to diminish temporomandibular joint pain, soft tissue noise, and myofascial discomfort by altering condyle-disc relationships. Secondary stabilization of the occlusion to this arbitrary anterior position through orthodontic tooth movement may significantly alter functional and muscular relationships. A case report is illustrated to show that as the functional environment attempted to reestablish equilibrium through adaptation, relapse occurred as the condyles "seated" posteriorly and superiorly toward their original relationship within the fossa. For all practical purposes, complete relapse of the orthodontic treatment result took place over time.