Relationship between balancing premature contacts and temporomandibular disorder

Relationship between balancing premature contacts and temporomandibular disorder Dr. S.M. Sahebi* - Dr. S. Khosravi ** *-Assistant Professor of Removable Maxillofacial Prosthodontics.Dept-Faculty of Dentistry–Tehran University of Medical Sciences. **- Dentist. Background and Aim: Temporomandibular disorder is a broad term referring to jaws dysfunction. Investigators have presented several factors for the etiology of TMD (temporomandibular disorder), one of them is malocclusion. Balancing premature contacts are also recognized as a type of malocclusion. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the relation between balancing premature contacts and TMD. Secondary objectives as parafunctional habits and type of occlusion were also investigated. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients, 55 females and 5 males, referred to TMD ward, Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected. All samples had TMD signs and symptoms (TMJ) pain, joint malfunction, pain and malfunction of masticatory muscles. On the other hand, 60 patients, referred to oral diseases diagnosis department, without any problems were selected as controls. All patients were at the age range of 20-40 years old. Following complete examination and filling a questionnaire by all patients, data were analyzed by χ2. Results: There was no significant relationship between TMD and balancing interferences. Parafunctional habits in TMD patients was more prevalent comparing to the controls. No significant relation was found between TMD and type of occlusion. Crossbite and overjet more than 4mm were more prevalent among TMD patients. Conclusion: The most common factors influencing TMD are increased overjet and crossbite. Key words: Premature contact - Temporomandibular disorder - Malocclusion.