THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OCCLUSION AND TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS

The etiology of temporomandibular disorders and the role of occlusion, has not been yet entirely clarified. Objective of investigation: The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of occlusal relationships on the function of the stomatognathic system. Methods: A group of 96 subjects, aged from 24-52 years (X=35.03p ; 6.92) was examined. The number of teeth, the number of teeth in occlusion, type of occlusion (canine guided occlusion, group function and balanced occlusion) was determined by clinical examination. Overbite and overjet were measured. RCP position was determined by chin-point technique, and fixing by Lucia-jig. The sliding from RCP to IKP position was determined in the anteroposterior, vertical and lateral direction. A precise calliper was used to measure maximal jaw movement. Pain and sounds were registred. Temporomandibular joints, masticatory and neck muscles were palpated. Helkimo Occlusal, Anamnestic and Clinical Dysfunction Indexes ( Index of mandibular movement, index of TMJ function, index of painful mandibular movements, index of muscular and TMJ pain) were calculated. Results: 3.12% of the subjects were without occlusal disorders (Oi0), 58.32% had moderate occlusal problems (OiI) and 38.56% had severe occlusal problems (OiII). When compared to Anamnestic and Clinical Dysfunction Index the Pearson χ s ; test analysis shows that severe occlusal problems are not correlated to severe dysfunction. The difference between the groups is not statisticly significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggests that occlusion do not have an influence on the occurrence of TMD.