THE ASSOCIATION OF TMJ SOUNDS WITH DIFFERENT DENTAL AND SKELETAL MEASUREMENTS ALONG WITH HEADACHE AND PAIN USING DC/TMD

Abstract

Purpose: It has been suggested in some studies that certain malocclusion features are related to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) clicking, which is a prevalent sign of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD’s). This study aimed to evaluate different dental and skeletal malocclusion parameters and their relation to TMJ sounds. Also, to examine TMJ sounds with the presence of headache and TMJ pain using Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders.

Materials & Methods: A sample of 460 subjects seeking orthodontic treatment were evaluated using DC/TMD. Dental measures were recorded based on the initial records along with the clinical examination of the DC/TMD. Skeletal measurements were recorded after lateral cephalometric radiographs were traced. All measurements were confirmed before collection by one examiner using all the initial records.

Results: The sample was comprised of 283 females and 177 males. Clicking prevalence among the sample was 13%, of which 70% were females. Hispanic and Other group were significantly associated with opening and closing TMJ click. Class III dental was highly significant with TMJ click (OR: 0.35). Females who had headache had higher odds of having headache compared to males. Headache was significantly associated with all TMJ click variables (Open click [OR:10], lateral click [OR:10], self-reported click [OR:4.7]). Moreover, TMJ pain was significant with open click (OR:7.6), lateral click (OR:14.4), and self-reported click (OR:7.7). African-American group had 0.28 odds of having TMJ pain compared to Hispanics and Other. Finally, Males have 0.29 odds of having TMJ pain compared to females.

Conclusion: In conclusion TMJ click upon opening and closing, lateral excursion, and self- reported click is highly associated with headache and chronic headache in general with a prevalence higher in females. Pain was highly associated with TMJ click of all sorts, with a higher prevalence in females and the Hispanic and other group. Finally, TMJ click was found more in the Hispanic and other group and class III dental occlusion subjects.