Correlation of temporomandibular dysfunction classification index with cephalometric indicators of facial structure: a study on adult female subjects.

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether associations exist between temporomandibular dysfunction index (TMI) and craniofacial morphology. METHODS: The sample consisted of 30 symptomatic (mean age 28.3+/-6.7; range 24-39 years, TMI 0.48+/-0.21) and 30 asymptomatic women (mean age 27.4+/-9.2; range 22-42 years, TMI 0.1+/-0.05) seeking orthodontic treatment at Department of Dental Sciences ''''G. Messina'''', University of Palermo, who had routine lateral cephalograms. Symptoms and signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) were assessed by a standardized clinical examination and the TMI (a clinical measure of dysfunction used to evaluate the severity of TMD). Linear and angular cephalometric measurements were taken to evaluate skeletal and dental characteristics of the two groups. Unpaired t test was used to compare the symptomatic subjects with the control subjects. RESULTS: The sella-nasion-supramentale (SNB) angle (P<0.038, indicating mandibular retrognathism relative to cranial base), the lower facial height and the palatal plane-mandibular plane angle (P<0.025 and P<0.037 respectively, indicating hypodivergent facial profile) were significantly smaller in the symptomatic than in the asymptomatic women. The occlusal plane was steeper (P<0.033) and the cranial flexion was higher (P<0.035) in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group. In addition the overjet (P<0.008) and the overbite (P<0.005) were significantly greater in symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group. CONCLUSION: This study showed a significant correlation between dentofacial characteristics and TMD.