Occurrence of Malocclusion in Patients with Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of malocclusion in patients with orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). A total of 437 standard orthodontic screening forms at a craniofacial pain TMD center were utilized to collect the data for this retrospective study. In addition to patient's demographics and Angle's molar classification, the following data were collected: Overjet (OJ), overbite (OB), mandibular range of motion, and whether or not there was a posterior crossbite or prior history of orthodontic therapy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests were then used to detect any statistical significant difference of the secondary variables' distribution among the three malocclusion groups. The majority of the studied population sample had a class I molar relationship (70.9%), followed by class II (21.1%) and class III molar relationship (8%). Overjet and OB were significantly increased for class II molar relationship group (p < 0.001), where no statistical differences could be identified for the mandibular range of motion between the groups. The prevalence of right and left posterior crossbite was about 12% for both, and most of the crossbites presented within class I molar group. Class I followed by class II molar relationships were found to be the most occurring relationship in the studied population. Posterior crossbite presented in 12% of cases and mostly affected subjects with class I molar relationship. These findings would aid in recognizing the studied population's orthodontic presentation and support the assessment of their transverse interventional needs.