There are many varied opinions among dental practitioners about Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/D) but treating the disorder's multifactorial causes remains a grey area for the profession. One hurdle for the profession to overcome is an understanding of the multiple factors, rather than a single condition, behind the TMJ/D symptom complex. 

To advance beyond solely offering mechanical treatments for the teeth and begin providing far-reaching health benefits for their future patients, today's graduating orthodontists should be provided with a grasp on health-orientated approaches to treating the entire masticatory system, including the muscles of the cranio-mandibular complex and jaw joints.