Introduction
The role of occlusion as an etiologic factor of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has been polemic and still controversial.
Objective
To evaluate the correlation between signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and severity of malocclusion.
Method
A total of 135 undergraduate dental students from Federal University of Paraíba were evaluated. The presence of TMD was estimated by Fonseca's Anamnestic Index and objective questions about symptoms were addressed. Students were also submitted to a summarized protocol for clinical evaluation of TMD. The evaluation of occlusal factors was performed using the Treatment Priority Index (TPI) applied to plaster casts corresponding to upper and lower dental arches. The differences between the means of IPT related to signs and symptoms of TMD were determined by t tests and One-way ANOVA. Correlations between occlusal factors and TMD were determined by Pearson correlation.
Result
According to the TPI, the severity of the malocclusion did not influence the onset of TMD, muscle or joint clinical signs and need for treatment. Class II malocclusion, marked overbite and rotated teeth were statistically correlated with the need for treatment and clinical signs of TMD.
Conclusion
In multifactor models as in the pathophysiology of TMD, occlusion can play a role as a co-factor in predisposing or perpetuating the different forms of TMD. As such, it should not be considered a major factor.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction syndrome; malocclusion; dental occlusion