Mandibular movements in the TMJ result in static and dynamic cycling.

Combinations of
compressive, tensile, and shear charge occur on the articulating surfaces during the normal loading of
the joint. The study of mandibular biomechanics allows one to understand the relationship between
shape and function, the structure of TMDs, and allows enhancing the design and behavior of prothesis
tools.

The specifics of the joint tissue's biomechanical conduct – including the disk, cartilage, and
subchondral bone – have not yet been completely described. For this reason, there are still no
commonly accepted standards or ranges for either maintenance or hazard conditions of TMJ loading.
Our understanding is that the loading distribution created during various mandibular movements by
masticatory muscle forces is largely dependent on the biomechanical properties of the joint tissues, and
that these properties, in effect, depend on the loading environment. Developing models that combine
the viscoelastic, anisotropic, and heterogeneous properties of the cartilaginous articular layers and the
disk will be a challenge. A first approximation requires a suitable disk content model containing both
fluid and solid constituents.

During mandibular motion, the joints undergo significant loading, and if appropriate, this
loading contributes to the metabolism of the joint tissue and, if excessive and/or irregular, to its
breakdown.