Influence of occlusal characteristics on temporomandibular joint disorder development –a cross-sectional study

subject in the communities of researchers. Most authors consider occlusal anomalies as a fundamental factor in causing the symptoms, while other studies suggest that occlusal dysfunctions represent only one of the numerous factors associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (Landi et al 2012; Pullinger et al 1993; Sipila et al 2012). The occlusal factors must be analyzed both static and dynamic. Most of the studies carried out until now evaluated the static occlusal relationships, analyzing the degree of involvement in the etiology of TMD as isolated factor. Pullinger, Seligman and Gornbein realized a multifactorial analysis in order to determinate the degree of influence of each occlusal factor in association with other factors. Eleven occlusal factors were taken into consideration, being compared patients with signs and symptoms of TMD, with a group of healthy subjects. The authors concluded that many occlusal parameters, traditionally considered with increased influence in appearance of TMD, actually have little contribution in developing this disease, dental occlusion therefore cannot be considered the most important etiologic factor in TMD (Pullinger et al 1993). Several epidemiological studies have identified an association between facial pain and/or TMD and different forms of occlusal dysfunction such as medialized occlusion, cross occlusion, Abstract. Objective: This study aimed at assessing occlusal characteristics and their relation with sign and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder in a population group. Material and methods: Two hundred thirteen fourth year dental medicine students (mean age of 23±4.24 years) were evaluated according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular joint Disorder form, but the examination also included additional procedures. Results: Pain in the oro-facial muscles was more frequent in female patients comparing to males. Articular and muscular pain is more frequent among subjects with interferences during the slide between Centric Relation and Maximum Intercuspation (articular p=0.038, OR 3.089, CI 95%, 1.066-8.954), muscular p=0.045, OR 3.771, CI 95%, 1.031-13.793). They can determine contractions of the masticatory muscles, affecting more often trapezius muscle (p=0,04), lateral pterygoid muscle (p<0.001), SCM (p=0.003) or milohyoid (p<0.001). A higher probability for joint clicks development is encountered in cases with accentuated Wilson curve (p=0.014, OR 17.285, CI 95%, 1.774-168.454). Conclusions: Occlusal characteristics can influence the articular and muscular status in the oro-facial area. These results indicate that clinicians should pay special attention to the temporo-mandibular joint status of patients with abnormal Spee or Wilson curves or presenting interferences during the slide from centric relation to maximum intercuspation.