Prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in different malocclusion groups

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have a multifactorial etiolgy. Specific morphological malocclusions have been related to a greater incidence of TMD’s. A keen interest still remains on identifying whether or not a connection exists. Hence the objective of this study was to evaluate the signs and symptoms of TMD utilizing the Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) seen in patients with different malocclusions presenting at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine.

Material and Methods: The RDC/TMD was used to record signs and symptoms of joint dysfunction i.e. clicking, crepitus and tenderness to palpation, mouth opening and lateral excursions. Subjects’ psychological status was also evaluated to determine links between depression and somatization.

Results: The sample comprised of 200 patients. It consisted of 29% males and 71% females (ages 10-45 years / mean 19.78 years). The sample was divided into different malocclusion groups i.e. class I (47.5%), class II (46%) and class III (6%). 84.5% of patients had no TMD symptoms in the past six months. No significant association was noted between TMD pain and dental classification (P=.770). Patients psychological evaluation showed that patients, which suffered from depression had a significant association with tenderness (p=0.000). Patients with self-reported clenching also had a positive correlation with depression (p=0.001) and with headaches (p=0.000)

Conclusions: No clinical significance was noted amongst malocclusion, gender and TMD pain. However, disk displacement disorders and Class III malocclusion did show a significant correlation. TMD pain is most likely a consequence of emotional tension and malocclusion can be a precipitating factor.