Electromyography (EMG) is the most objective technique for evaluating muscle function and efficiency by detecting and analyzing their electrical activity. Due to the method of recording EMG signals stand out an intramuscular electromyography in which needle electrodes are inserted through the skin and surface electromyography (sEMG) which uses surface electrodes. The aim of this study was to review the possibility of EMG uses in orthodontics. The material were researches published in 2000–2011 in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – MEDLINE – PubMed database. Analysis of the stomatognathic system by the use of EMG expands our knowledge about the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the stomatognathic system, allow for the identification patients with temporomandibular disorders and allow for objective orthodontic treatment monitoring.

Key words: EMG, sEMG, orthodontics.