Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in relation to some occlusal parameters.

A clinical examination survey included 600 women and men between 18 and 22 years of age studied for the possible association between temporomandibular disorders and a number of occlusal parameters (Angle's classification, type of eccentric occlusion, chewing side preference, horizontal overlap value, and non-working side contact occurrence. Extraoral and intraoral examination was performed for each subject, and horizontal overlap value was determined by the use of a dial caliper gauge. The presence of non-working contacts was detected by use of the dental floss technique. The results showed high dependence between the frequency of temporomandibular disorders and class II division 1, class III patients, group function occlusion, and a high horizontal overlap value. Furthermore, class II division 2 patients showed a reduced occurrence of temporomandibular disorders in relation to the other classes. When the non-working side contacts were increased, a higher association of temporomandibular disorders was observed.