Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) as well as the relationships between TMD, malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment.
Material and methods: Forty consecutive patients (36 F, 4 M) with a median age of 35 (IQR 18) years. Eighteen patients had Class I, 22 patients Class II malocclusion. A rating scale for the influence of TMJ pain/discomfort on the activities of daily living (ADL) was used simultaneously with clinical examination. Helkimo's Dysfunction Index (D(i)) and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) were determined for each participant.
Results: Pain/discomfort in the TMJ area was positively correlated with interferences in laterotrusion (p=0.021), pain on palpation over the posterior aspects of TMJ (p=0.012) and pain in the masticatory muscles (p=0.023). The impact of TMJ pain/discomfort was greatest on the performance of a yawn and on opening the mouth wide. There was no statistically significant correlation between malocclusion, D(i)and IOTN. A comparison of Class I malocclusion patients to those with Class II malocclusion revealed no statistically relevant differences in Di and ADL.
Conclusion: In patients with malocclusion, pain from TMJ has a significant negative impact on activities of daily living. No significant differences were observed between Angle Class I and Class II groups of patients with respect to TMD. Orthodontic treatment was required for both groups.