American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

The statement that symptoms are generally self-limiting is accurate regarding the history and etiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Many individuals experience TMD-related symptoms that often resolve without extensive medical intervention. This self-limiting nature is observed across various types of TMD; patients frequently find relief from pain or dysfunction through conservative management techniques such as physical therapy, dental adjustments, or stress reduction strategies.

Self-limiting symptoms in TMD reflect the body's ability to adapt and heal over time, suggesting that many cases may resolve spontaneously as the individual's circumstances change. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for clinical management, as it often guides orthodontists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals toward conservative treatment options rather than aggressive interventions.

The other statements do not accurately encapsulate the nuances of TMD. While there are aspects of TMD that are well understood, the complete etiology remains complex and multifactorial, involving both mechanical and psychosocial factors. Additionally, the notion that symptoms last indefinitely contradicts the common self-resolving nature of many cases, and attributing the etiology solely to genetics overlooks the significant roles of environmental and behavioral influences in the development of TMD.