Incisal tooth wear and self-reported TMD pain in children and adolescents

PURPOSE

Incisal tooth wear may be a sign of long-term bruxing behavior. Bruxism is purported to be a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this population-based cross-sectional study was to determine if anterior tooth wear is associated with the self-report of TMD pain in children and adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a population sample of 1,011 children and adolescents (mean age 13.1 years, range 10 to 18 years; female 52%; response rate 85%), TMD cases were defined as subjects reporting pain in the face, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joint during the last month according to RDC/TMD. All other subjects were considered controls. Incisal tooth wear was assessed in the clinical examination using a 0 to 2 scale (no wear, enamel wear, dentin wear) for every anterior permanent tooth. The mean wear score for the individuals was categorized into 0, 0.01 to 0.20, 0.21 to 0.40, and 0.41+. A multiple logistic regression analysis, controlling for the effects of age and gender, analyzed the association between the categorized summary wear score and TMD. Specifically, the hypothesis of a trend between higher tooth wear scores and higher risk of TMD was tested.

RESULTS

An odds ratio of 1.1 indicated, after adjusting for gender and age, no statistically significantly higher risk of TMD pain with higher tooth wear scores.

CONCLUSION

Incisal tooth wear was not associated with self-reported TMD pain in 10- to 18-year-old subjects.

[Role of total systems' connective tissue disease in the development of posttraumatic changes in the temporomandibular joint]

The aim of our work was to ascertain the relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complications of jaw fractures and displasia of connective tissue (DCT). The results of this investigation suggest, that DCT is an important factor of risk for joint disturbance such as arthritis and osteoarthrosis of TMJ.

[Dental occlusion and subjective temporomandibular joint symptoms in men and women. Results of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)]

Aim of the study was to determine whether associations exist in men as well as in women between occlusal factors like malocclusions or factors of functional occlusion and subjective temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms, based on the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-0). A representative sample of 4310 men and women (response rate 68.8%) aged 20 to 81 years was examined for subjective temporomandibular joint symptoms, malocclusions (incl. normal occlusion), factors of functional occlusion and for sociodemographic parameters. Men and women were analyzed separately with multiple logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age. The results were compared to other population-based studies from an own systematic review on this subject. In men and women, none of the 48 occlusal factors under survey (malocclusions or functional occlusion) was significantly more frequently associated with the dependent variable "subjective temporomandibular joint symptoms". In contrast, the parafunction "frequent clenching" was associated more frequently and clinically relevant with TMJ symptoms in both sexes (for men, odds ratio = 4.2, prevalence 4.9%; for women OR = 2.9, prevalence 5.6%). Malocclusions and functional occlusion factors only explained a smaller part of the differences between the male and female population with and without subjective TMJ symptoms. Compared to other population-based studies only few and inconsistent associations between occlusal factors and subjective temporomandibular symptoms were ascertainable in both sexes.

Temporomandibuläre Funktionsbefunde nach Dysgnathieoperationen im Vergleich zu einer bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Studie

AIM

The temporomandibular function of patients after orthognathic surgery was evaluated with the Helkimo index (D 0-III) and compared with a normal population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) were evaluated with the Helkimo index (D 0-III) in a group of patients (n=105, F=69, M=36) after osteotomies. The average follow-up time was 47 months (9-141 months). The osteotomies performed were as follows: 58 bilateral sagittal split osteotomies, 12 Le Fort I osteotomies, 22 bimaxillary osteotomies, and 13 segment-osteotomies. A control group (n=202, F=114, M=88, age 20-39 years) was examined in an epidemiological study. The statistical analysis was performed using Windows software SPSS 10.0.

RESULT

In 82.8% of the patients no symptoms or mild dysfunction were found. The comparison between the patient group (31.4%) and the control group (31.7%) revealed a similar frequency. The most frequent dysfunction was a reduced mobility of the mandible, which determined the statistical significance (p<0,05) between the patients and the control group for the dysfunction group D II and D III. The chi-square test could not detect any difference between sex and the kind of osteotomy with regard to dysfunction.

Orofacial complications associated with forward repositioning of the mandible in snore guard users

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) result from a collapse of the tongue, soft palate, and pharynx, causing temporary airway blockage. Acrylic mandibular advancement splints and Herbst appliances are used to relieve snoring and mild OSA. Repositioning the mandible forward may have an adverse effect on the orofacial and dentoalveolar structures of susceptible individuals. This article reports two cases in which orofacial complications developed following the utilization of snore guard appliances.

Long-term effects of chin-cap therapy on the temporomandibular joints

It is commonly believed that upward/backward forces applied to the condyle by a chin-cap cause temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). In the current study the long-term follow-up (2-11 years) of patients treated with a chin-cap was investigated regarding signs and symptoms of TMD. The treatment group consisted of 32 individuals who had a skeletal Class III malocclusion treated using chin-cap therapy (mean age 18.4 years). The two control groups contained 39 untreated subjects with skeletal Class III malocclusions (mean age 15.5 years) and 53 dental students (mean age 19.2 years) with acceptable normal occlusions. Functional examination of the subjects was carried out and those with at least one sign/symptom (clicking, pain, or deviation) were identified as the 'symptomatic' subgroup. The distribution of symptomatic individuals was 25 per cent in the treatment group, 23 per cent in the Class III malocclusion group, and 41.5 per cent in the normal group (dental students). In addition, the frequency of signs and symptoms of TMD in the symptomatic individuals was also investigated. There were no signs of crepitus in any subject, clicking was found in 50 per cent of the treatment group and pain in 54.5 per cent of the normal group. The results of this long-term follow-up indicate that chin-cap treatment is neither a risk factor nor a prevention for TMD. Age and stress factors should always be considered in the evaluation of TMD.

Relation between stress and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders in adolescents

The psychophysiologic theory proposes that stress can precipitate craniomandibular disorders (CMD) and that stress correlates more strongly to disorders of the masticatory muscles than to temporomandibular joint disorders. Empirical reports show only low correlations between emotional stress and CMD signs and symptoms, and that some of them might be spurious. In the present study this correlation was assessed in 417 adolescents from 11 to 16 years old. Data from the clinical examination were used to construct two indices: 1) The number of muscles sites tender to palpation, and 2) signs from the joint and restricted movement. Results show that global stress was only significantly correlated with the muscle index (r = .20), but not with the other index. Only the multiple regression analyses regarding muscle disorders had a significant beta weight of global stress that remained significant when controlling for the intervening variables age, gender and psychosomatic symptoms. The pattern of the stress-specific and unspecific CMD signs was consistent with the postulated stress model. Since there are positive results with regard to the stress model in patient samples and in this unselected sample of adolescents, further research is indicated, including the concept of somatization more explicitly.

[Differential and common characteristics of patients with atypical facial pain and craniomandibular dysfunction]

BACKGROUND

Craniomandibular disorders (CMD) and atypical facial pain (AFP) represent a clinical challenge. Whereas CMD patients respond to somatic approaches, somatization should be strictly avoided in AFP. The aim of this study was to establish prognostic criteria to identify an aggravated risk of a chronic course in CMD and AFP.

METHOD

A total of 124 consecutive patients with CMD ( n=108) or AFP ( n=16) were examined by two interdisciplinary academic pain centers. Psychometric evaluation was conducted with standardized questionnaires (SCL-90R, STAXI, modified SBAS-IV). All patients were clinically assessed by a maxillofacial surgeon or specialized dentist.

RESULTS

The following variables proved to be significant: age (risk for AFP vs CMD increased by 6% p.a.), decreased dysfunction index (13% higher risk for AFP vs CMD), and low scores concerning outwardly directed anger (12% higher risk for AFP vs CMD). There was no correlation between initial pain intensity and somatic parameters of disease as assessed by the standardized clinical examination. Low educational status proved to be the best predictor ( p<0.001) for patients presenting high initial pain with a marked discrepancy between somatic findings and subjective status.

CONCLUSIONS

CMD patients differ from AFP patients regarding age, psychosocial isolation, outwardly directed anger, and a decreased dysfunction index. Additionally, initial pain intensity in patients presenting indistinct CMD/AFP can be considered as a valid predictor for a chronic course in pain.

Convergence defects in patients with temporomandibular disorders

The aim of this study is to show the presence of a correlation between ocular convergence defects (OCD) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among a group of adult subjects. The group studied was made up of 48 subjects (12 males and 36 females). The average age was 35 with a range of 19-45 years of age. The subjects presented with TMD and muscular pain and/or dysfunction. Forty-eight subjects with TMD for the case study were matched by gender and age to 48 control subjects seeking routine dental care (control group). All the subjects were examined by the same orthoptist who classified the ocular convergence degree using two tests. The first test evaluated the distances (in centimeters) of the convergence near point (3-4 cm: normal; 5-7 cm: sufficient; > 7 cm: insufficient). The second test assessed the fusional convergence using a Berens prism test (> 25 diopters: normal; between 18-25: sufficient; < 18 diopters: insufficient). In the TMD group, 36 subjects (75%) showed a compromise of convergence: 13 (36%) were classified in the 5-7 degree range and 23 (48%) in the > 7 cm degree range. The Berens test showed ten subjects (28%) in the group < 18D and 26 (72%) in the group 18-25D. The control-group presented ten (21%) subjects with compromise of convergence: three classified in the group < 18D and seven in the group 18-25D. The TMD subjects presented a higher statistical percentage (p < 0.0001) of ocular convergence defects. The TMD patients also reported a strong association referred to specific signs and symptoms, i.e., limited maximal opening or myofascial pain. There were some subjective reports also of headaches and torcicollis (neck stiffness) which appeared significantly more frequently in subjects with a compromise of convergence. The study showed a much higher prevalence of ocular convergence defects in patients with head, neck, and shoulder pain.

Signs and symptoms associated with TMD in adults with shortened dental arches

PURPOSE

This study investigated the prevalence of signs and symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in adults with shortened dental arches in Tanzania.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The shortened dental arch group comprised 725 subjects with an intact anterior region and zero to eight occluding pairs of teeth posteriorly. They were categorized into five groups according to length and symmetry of the dental arches. A control group of 125 subjects with complete dental arches was included. The subjects were interviewed with questions related to pain and sounds within the temporomandibular joints and restricted mobility of the mandible. Clinical examination consisted of registration of clicking or crepitation of the joints, measuring maximum mouth opening, and assessing occlusal tooth wear.

RESULTS

Joint sounds were reported significantly more frequently by subjects with posterior support only unilaterally (17%) and by subjects with no posterior support (10%) compared to other categories of dental arches (3% to 5%). No significant differences were found between categories of dental arches with respect to pain (2% to 9%), restricted mobility of the mandible (0% to 1%), maximum mouth opening < 40 mm (0% to 3%), or clicking or crepitation of the joints (12% to 23%). For the younger age group (> or = 20 and < 40 years), tooth wear occurred significantly more often in subjects with no posterior support. For the older age group (> or = 40 years), tooth wear increased significantly with decrease of posterior support.

CONCLUSION

No evidence was found that shortened dental arches provoke signs and symptoms associated with TMD. However, when all posterior support is unilaterally or bilaterally absent, the risk for pain and joint sounds seems to increase.

Prospective comparative study of the range of movement of temporomandibular joints after mandibular fractures: rigid or non-rigid fixation

Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are negatively affected by trauma and disuse. In this prospective study, 103 patients with mandibular fractures were evaluated for the influence of trauma and maxillomandibular fixation on the TMJ. A total of 54 patients were treated by maxillomandibular fixation and 49 by titanium miniplate fixation. Those patients with condylar fractures and multiple mandibular fractures and malocclusion at presentation were not included in the study. The control group consisted of 44 randomly-selected healthy people with no past history of mandibular fracture or symptoms referable to the TMJ. Trauma was a major factor leading to TMJ dysfunction and maxillomandibular fixation increased the incidence and severity of TMJ dysfunction.

Enamel loss and occlusal vertical dimension. Causes and considerations for treatment

Much of the accelerated or premature loss of vertical dimension experienced by patients is certainly preventable, and prevention should be emphasized. Recommendations on limiting any nicotine and caffeine use, supporting needs for fitness efforts, and assisted or self-management of damaging habits from stress are vital Restoratively along with aesthetics, substantial, functional vertical dimension changes may now be addressed conservatively, using a range of strategies and current state-of-the art materials. Patients should become better informed about the importance of a good dentition for their better general health. Restorative alteration of vertical dimension may not be universally essential. Nevertheless, the profession, patients, and the third-party payment community must unequivocally recognize the physiologic advantage of restoring lost FOVD. The simple replacement of missing or damaged teeth without also reviewing and often addressing related facial proportions, occlusion, and vertical dimension concerns can be too limited a treatment option. Treatment of this current and ever-increasing condition cannot be sparingly restricted to the realm of specialists. In light of current population demographics, general dentists must inform themselves of extensive, currently available information in order to improve their proficiency and gain more confidence in addressing these multifaceted, ever more common problems. Examining all treatment variables in conjunction with the proficient determination for improved masticatory function and durability will increase our potential for achieving more favorable outcomes. New research in these areas will continue to be applied in order to optimally compose and implement modern comprehensive treatment plans and better evaluate post-treatment success. Not taking the interrelated issues discussed in this article into consideration, or a failure to assess and better engage these increasingly widespread needs of our population, could severely compromise the dental health of an increasing number of current and future patients.

A 20-year follow-up of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and malocclusions in subjects with and without orthodontic treatment in childhood

This investigation analyzes the influence of orthodontic treatment on signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and different malocclusions during a 20-year period. Originally, 402 randomly selected 7-, 11-, and 15-year-old subjects were examined clinically and by means of a questionnaire for signs and symptoms of TMDs. The examination was repeated after five and ten years. After 20 years, 320 subjects (85% of the traced subjects) completed the questionnaire. The oldest age group,now 35 years of age, was invited to a clinical examination, and 100 subjects (81% of the traced subjects) were examined. The correlations between signs and symptoms of TMD and different malocclusions were mainly weak, although sometimes statistically significant. Lateral forced bite and unilateral crossbite were correlated with TMD signs and symptoms at the 10- and 20-year follow-ups (r = 0.38, P < .05 and r = 0.34, P < .01, respectively). Subjects with malocclusion over a long period of time tended to report more symptoms of TMD and to show a higher dysfunction index, compared with subjects with no malocclusion at all. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of TMD signs and symptoms between subjects with or without previous experience of orthodontic treatment. This 20-year follow-up supports the opinion that no single occlusal factor is of major importance for the development of TMD, but a lateral forced bite between retruded contact position (RCP) and intercuspal position (ICP), as well as unilateral crossbite, may be a potential risk factor in this respect. Furthermore, subjects with a history of orthodontic treatment do not run a higher risk of developing TMD later in life, compared with subjects with no such experience.

[Symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in patients treated for the condylar fractures]

124 patients at the age of 7 to 70 years with condylar fractures were treated in the Department of Dental and Maxillo-Facial Surgery in the years 1992-96. The authors carried out control clinical examinations and the radiographic investigations in 42 patients treated conservatively. Late results of treatment were assessed after 5 since post fracture. In the assessment the range of mandible abduction, function of temporomandibular joints, mandibular malposition following movements, occlusal disturbance, dislocation of the central line, and the acoustic symptoms in TMJ.

Occlusal rehabilitation of a patient with hereditary multicentric osteolysis

This article describes the fixed prosthodontic rehabilitation of a 53-year-old male patient with multicentric osteolysis. Before treatment, the patient exhibited signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder and had recurrent tension-type headaches and pain in the neck and shoulder area. One of his chief complaints was frequent fracture of restorations. After extensive occlusal rehabilitation, occurrence of headache and pain ceased, and other signs and symptoms of TMD diminished. The long-term prognosis depends on the stage of the genetic disorder, which cannot be determined.

ORAL HABITS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER PATIENTS WITH MALOCCLUSION

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between oral habits and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder in patients who had sought orthodontic treatment by analyzing their present and past history. The subjects were 57 female patients (average age: 23 years and 6 months old) who had visited the "Temporomandibular Disorder Section" in our orthodontic department. Their chief complaints were the symptom of TMJ and the abnormalities of occlusion such as maxillary protrusion, open bite, crowding, mandibular protrusion, cross bite, deep bite, edge-to-edge bite, and spacing. Their present conditions and past histories were examined and evaluated. The most typical primary symptom was joint sound (23 patients, 40.0%). The second was joint sound and pain (15 patients, 26.3%). Of the symptoms present at the time of examination, the most prevalent were joint sound and pain (20 patients, 35.1%). The 48 patients (82.8%) had significant oral habits. Unilateral chewing was seen in 35 patients (72.9%), bruxism in 27 (56.3%), abnormality of posture in 14 (29.2%), habitual crunching in 10 (20.8%) and resting the check on the hand in 4 (8.3%), respectively. When comparing the primary symptoms to those at the time of examination, the patients with unilateral chewing and bruxism tended to have more complicated symptoms. In conclusion, the TMD symptoms of the patients with notable oral habits did not change or become worse during a period of about 5 years.

[Relationship between occlusion and myoarthropathy. Introduction of an integrating neurobiological model]

For many decades, the relationship between occlusal factors and temporomandibular disorders has been discussed controversially in the dental literature. After a brief description of current points of view about this topic, a recently published clinical trial by Le Bell et al. (2002) is summarized. The results of this study are discussed on the basis of a novel neurobiologic model, which is based on the heterogeneous activation of the masticatory musculature. This model appears to be suitable to explain the pathogenic and therapeutic effects due to occlusal management of patients with myofascial facial pain.

[Skull base fractures with TMJ involvement: literary review and case report]

The authors report their experience in the treatment of middle skull base fractures with TMJ involvement of ten patients affected by fractures of the glenoid cavity and of the petrous part of the temporal bone, with TMJ disfunction and facial nerve palsy. The treatment has been based on functional rest, a liquid diet for 5 days and than a functional physiotherapy aimed at rehabilitation of the TMJ. The efficacy of treatment has been showed after 2 months by restoring the dental occlusion and the TMJ's function in nine out of ten cases. Three out of four patients (75%) at the same control showed a full resolution of the facial nerve palsy. At an eighth month's follow-up all the cases had a complete resolution of the symptoms. Finally no significant studies have been reported in literature to set standardized protocols for the treatment of glenoid cavity fractures. According to the experience of authors the fractures of the medium cranial base involving the glenoid cavity should be treated as the current trends of intracapsular TMJ fractures. The orthopedic-functional treatment turns out particularly efficacious when there isn't a reduction of mandibular vertical heights.

A mandibular protruding device in obstructive sleep apnea and snoring

The overall purpose behind treatment in sleep-breathing disorders is to ease breathing and thereby reduce the risk of morbidity. The mandibular protruding device (MPD) is one method of treating both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. The aims of the studies were to study MPD users after 2 years and evaluate the following aspects of the MPD: subjective and objective effects on sleep, influences on airway passages and hard tissues, and the incidence and types of adverse events of the masticatory system including temporomandibular disorders. Further aims were to evaluate the impact of body posture and the effects of the MPD on pharyngeal width and to validate two methods for measuring mandibular protrusion and MPD advancement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-seven subjects with OSA or snorers without OSA. were admitted to the study after a medical examination, which included a somnographic registration. The patients completed questionnaires regarding sleep quality and symptoms from the masticatory system, and underwent a clinical jaw function examination, were given an MPD, and were subjected to lateral cephalometric examination. Two follow-ups, 6 months and 2 years after MPD treatment were conducted. The study population comprised 65 patients at the 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

At the 2-year follow-up, a significant reduction of the subjective complaints was noted by 90% of the MPD users. In the objective evaluation, the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) of the OSA group (n = 39) decreased significantly from a mean of 14.7 to 3.1 and the mean arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) increased significantly from 78% to 89%. The snorers maintained their initial values. In the total group, MPD treatment significantly increased most pharyngeal measures and lifted the hyoid bone. The pharyngeal area decreased significantly--by more than 50%--when the patient was supine, and the velum area increased significantly. At the 2-year follow-up, on upright cephalogram without MPD, the pharyngeal area had significantly increased and the velum area had significantly decreased. The mandible was posteriorly rotated (P < 0.01) as well as the lower incisors were proclined (P < 0.05). Mandibular advancement and vertical opening with an MPD, as measured with a ruler, compared well with measurements taken from a cephalogram. At the 2-year follow-up significant changes in the mean mandibular range of protrusion (+0.6 mm), overjet (-0.5 mm), and overbite (-0.8 mm) were registered. Nine of the 65 patients had developed a lateral open bite, and 2 were aware of the change. The reported frequency of headache was significantly reduced. At the 2-year follow-up there was a significant reduction in pain during mandibular movements.

CONCLUSIONS

MPD treatment significantly reduced subjective complaints of sleep disturbances and significantly reduced ODI values among OSA patients. A high MPD compliance rate after 2 years (84%) indicated a well-tolerated treatment and a low rate of side effects were noted. The key factor in OSA and snoring is the obstruction of pharynx. The MPD treatment significantly increased the pharyngeal passages and significantly reduced the size of velum and thereby facilitated the breathing.

Mandibular adaptive reposturing: the etiology of a common and multifaceted autodestructive syndrome

Maximum dental intercuspation (MI) is directed through sensory feedback from periodontal proprioceptors and is a neuromuscularly favored and protective mandibular position for the dentition. MI literally drives the stomatognathic system. When MI and centric relation (CR) are not in harmony, the mandible assumes adaptive reposturing in an effort to achieve as much MI as mechanically possible. This can lead to an autodestructive syndrome that damages various stomatognathic elements. Diurnal and nocturnal clenching and/or bruxism as well as other parafunctional activities mediated at different neurologic levels may complicate the problem further. Effective management of this syndrome requires establishment of harmony between CR and MI.

Acupuncture treatment of pain dysfunction syndrome after dental extraction

A successful treatment with acupuncture of a patient with Pain Dysfunction Syndrome is presented. The patient developed restricted mouth opening after removal of a third molar in the lower jaw. Despite orthodox treatment no improvement was noticed after three months, and his general practitioner was contacted. After two acupuncture sessions the patient felt normal and the jaw movement was within the normal range. A follow-up four weeks after the first treatment showed a further increase in the jaw movement. If restricted movement in the temporomandibular joint occurs after operative procedures in the mouth, acupuncture should be considered at an early stage.

Orthodontic diagnostics and treatment planning in adults with temporomandibular disorders a case report

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular disorders are not an uncommon finding in adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

PATIENT AND METHODS

In a 25-year-old female patient with neutroclusion, bialveolar protrusion with anterior crowding, and mesial tipping of tooth 27 due to early loss of tooth 26, a unilateral clicking in the right temporomandibular joint was recorded as a secondary finding. Clinical and instrumental functional analysis revealed right-sided anterior disc displacement with reduction, which had been induced by forced guidance of the mandible to posterior. Space was to be gained by extracting tooth 41, by closing the residual gap at tooth 26, and by interproximal reduction of the dental enamel in the right upper buccal region. In addition, occlusal adjustment was to be undertaken subsequently to eliminate the forced guidance and to achieve a slightly overcorrected Class I relationship.

RESULT

Treatment wit a complete fixed appliance fulfilled the treatment objectives, with normal functioning of the temporomandibular joint being achieved. This case of a patient with a temporomandibular disorder is used to illustrate steps in diagnosis and functional analysis. Steps which ensure not only a successful orthodontic outcome but also a beneficial orthopedic effect on the temporomandibular joint.

Effect of occlusal splint and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation on the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in patients with bruxism

A crossed-design experimental study has been made involving simple blind paired data and random assignment to treatment, with the aim of evaluating the action of an occlusal splint with transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) upon the manifestations of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with bruxism. The prevalence of TMD in the 24 patients with bruxism was 62.5%%; the corresponding severity, as determined by the pantographic reproducibility index (PRI), was mild (mean value: 20.71). Clicking and pain in the lateral pterygoid muscle were the most frequent clinical manifestations. The occlusal splint and TENS did not significantly improve the signs and symptoms of TMD in these patients with bruxism.

Do early signs of orofacial dysfunctions and occlusal variables predict development of TMD in adolescence?

The aim of the present report was to focus on if early signs of different orofacial dysfunctions, e.g. misarticulations of speech, problems in oral motor skills and TMD, malocclusions or occlusal interferences could predict the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in adolescence. Altogether there were 94 children referred for speech therapy and 93 controls who participated in all three stages of this longitudinal study. In the whole sample the mean age during the first examination was 7.6 years, during the second examination 10.6 years, and during the third one 15.4 years. Multiple logistic regression models showed that subjects with a tendency to open bite tended to have palpatory tenderness of the muscles. Overjet was positively related to hypermobile but negatively to hypomobile jaw movements. Deviation on opening was associated with problems in oral motor skills, and some signs of TMD seemed to be related to each other. In addition, girls had a higher risk of having several signs of TMD than boys did. In conclusion, tendency to open bite, both mesial and distal molar occlusion and increased and decreased overjet were occlusal anomalies associated with TMD. Altogether, among 15-year-olds there seems to be both local and central factors in the aetiology of TMD.

[Dysplasia-dependent abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint]

The purpose of this study was to reveal the relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and dysplasia of connective tissue (DCT). This investigation included 53 (34 female and 19 male) patients with TMJ internal derangement (ID) and 53 controls; 24 patients with marked and 53 patients with mild dysfunction of this joint. The symptoms of DCT (such as scoliosis, general joint hypermorbility) and TMJ ID were revealed. Results of this study prove that DCT is one of etiological factors of TMJ ID. The relationship between type of ID and severity of DCT was revealed.

Oral motor parafunctions among heavy drug addicts and their effects on signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders

AIMS

To investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), bruxism, and other oral habits among drug addicts compared to a normal, non-addicted, matched control population, and to assess the detrimental effect of long-term drug abuse on the parameters studied.

METHODS

Subjects included 55 drug-addicted patients (51 males and 4 females) randomly selected from long-term addicts using "hard" narcotics and attending a methadone maintenance center and a control group of 52 normal non-addicted individuals (48 males and 4 females) matched to the addicts for age, gender, and socioeconomic status. A clinical examination and a questionnaire were used. One examiner determined that all questions were correctly understood and answered, and a second examiner performed the clinical examinations and was unaware of the results of the questionnaire.

RESULTS

The addicted group had a high prevalence of orofacial motor behavior (bruxing, clenching) as well as signs and symptoms of TMD (morning headache, joint noises, joint and masticatory muscle tenderness to palpation, and tooth wear) compared to the controls. Active (voluntary) jaw opening was significantly smaller, although within an acceptable range when compared to the controls.

CONCLUSION

Long-term drug abuse detrimentally affects the stomatognathic system, as expressed in a high prevalence of oral motor behavior and signs and symptoms of TMD.

[Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with mandibular advancement appliances]

Mandibular advancement device provide a therapeutic option for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Clinical improvement has been proven in the different available studies, mainly on nocturnal respiratory events and quality of sleep. Less snoring have been noted by bed partners and objective studies have demonstrated a decrease in snoring frequency and intensity. The effects of these appliances on upper airways resistance syndrome is not yet well documented. The significant clinical improvement is secondary to the decrease in the occurrence of apneas and hypopneas. Polysomnographic improvement criteria with an apnea hypopnea index less than 10 per hour has been noted in certain cases, although no improvement or even worsening was noted in other cases. Sleep architecture has also changed in these patients, with a decrease in the time spent in stages 1 and 2, and an increase in the time spent in stages 3, 4 and rapid eye movement sleep. Micro-arousals are also reduced in number. Somnolence and loss of attention are improved; these have been evaluated subjectively or by a well known and approved somnolence scale. In some cases a test for vigilance was done. Our results are identical to those published in the different studies concerning respiratory events and sleep architecture.

TMD prevalence in rural and urban Native American populations

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of TMD in a consecutive sample of 102 subjects from the Native American population living in an urban setting and 90 subjects living in a rural setting. The study utilized a clinical examination and standardized questionnaires. The sample age ranged from five to 84 years of age. The subjects were asked to estimate pain frequency, severity and daily pattern of jaw pain, difficulty in opening, joint clicking, and sleeping problems. Examination was performed on joint, masticatory, and cervical muscles, as well as occlusion. Data was collected and statistically analyzed. Statistically significant differences were found; however, the only statistically significant difference that might have clinical significance was more facial pain in the urban population.

[The "Costen Syndrome" - Which Symptoms Suggest that the Patient may Benefit from Dental Therapy?]

INTRODUCTION

Since the thirties the hypothesis of a direct connection between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and tinnitus/otalgia has been discussed. The thesis of this possible connection is often named after one of the earliest and most vehement supporters as "Costen Syndrome". This review is aimed to elucidate the present state of the discussion from the Dentist's point of view.

DIAGNOSIS/EPIDEMIOLOGY/THERAPY OF TMD

Diagnostic research criteria which define TMD are not standardized. Despite high prevalence and strong demand for treatment of TMD there is still a lack of a commonly accepted standard therapy and the potential benefit from a therapeutic point of view is still controversial. TMD AND TINNITUS/OTALGIA:: Concurrence of TMD and tinnitus by a common underlying cause is still unproven. By contrast a causal link between certain forms of TMD and otalgia is obvious.

CONCLUSION

A lack of clear definitions and standards for the diagnosis of TMD is the main hinderance to prove a causal relationship especially between TMD otalgia. However patients seeking care for otalgia with no identifiable otologic cause may benefit from dental therapy. Therefore future studies should focus on well defined subgroups of TMD to investigate a link between otalgia/tinnitus and TMD.

Risk factors for diagnostic subgroups of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) encompass several entities, which may have differing etiologies. To test this hypothesis, we investigated risk factors for three diagnostic subgroups of painful TMD. Ninety-seven subjects with myofascial pain only, 20 with arthralgia only, 157 with both myofascial pain and arthralgia, and 195 controls without TMD pain met criteria for study eligibility. Investigated risk factors included both physical and psychological variables. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated by multiple logistic regression analyses. Myofascial pain occurring alone was significantly associated with trauma (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.0), clenching (OR = 4.8), third molar removal (OR = 3.2), somatization (OR = 3.7), and female gender (OR = 4.2). Myofascial pain with arthralgia was significantly associated with trauma (OR = 2.1), clenching (OR = 3.3), third molar removal (OR = 4.0), somatization (OR = 5.1), and female gender (OR = 4.7). No significant associations were found for the small-arthralgia-only group.

Prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction and its association with malocclusion in children and adolescents: an epidemiologic study related to specified stages of dental development

A sample of 4724 children (2353 girls and 2371 boys) (5-17 years old) were grouped not only by chronological age but also by stage of dental development (deciduous, early mixed, late mixed, and permanent dentition). The registrations included functional occlusion (anterior and lateral sliding, interferences), dental wear, mandibular mobility (maximal opening, deflection), and temporomandibular joint and muscular pain recorded by palpation. Headache was the only symptom of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) reported by the children. The results showed that one or more clinical signs were recorded in 25% of the subjects, most of them being mild in character. The prevalences increased during the developmental stages. Girls were in general more affected than boys. Significant associations were found between different signs, and TMD was associated with posterior crossbite, anterior open bite, Angle Class III malocclusion, and extreme maxillary overjet.

No association between incisal tooth wear and temporomandibular disorders

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Incisal tooth wear may be a sign of long-term bruxing behavior. Bruxism is purported to be a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

PURPOSE

The purpose of this clinic-based case-control study was to investigate whether the wear of anterior teeth is associated with TMD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred eight TMD patients and 172 control subjects were selected for participation. After exclusion of subjects with more than 1 missing premolar or molar zone in opposite arches, as well as subjects with missing or severely restored anterior teeth, 154 TMD patients and 120 control subjects were included in the study (age 31.2 +/- 13.4 years; range 13 to 76 years). Anterior tooth wear was assessed on casts with a 0 to 5 scale. A multiple logistic regression analysis, controlling for the effects of age and gender, was performed to investigate the relationship between tooth wear and TMD.

RESULTS

An odds ratio of 0.76 (95% confidence interval: 0.51 to 1.15) indicated that after adjusting for gender and age, the odds in favor of TMD decreased an estimated 24% for each additional unit of the mean tooth wear score. This result was not significant (P=.20).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, incisal tooth wear (assessed on dental casts) was not significantly associated with TMD when the influence of age and gender was controlled. Based on these findings, a clinically relevant risk for TMD from incisal tooth wear can be excluded. Hence, the presented evidence does not support the idea that treatment of incisal tooth wear is indicated to prevent TMD.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction following tonsillectomy

We report a prospective, controlled trial to assess temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction following the use of a Boyle-Davis mouth gag during tonsillectomy. TMJ function was evaluated in patients undergoing tonsillectomy and a control group undergoing nasal surgery preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. The main outcome measures were symptoms and signs of TMJ dysfunction and interincisal distance. A mean reduction of 0.89 mm in interincisal distance (P < 0.01) was noted postoperatively in the tonsillectomy patients. There was no statistically significant reduction of interincisal distance in patients undergoing nasal surgery. There was a statistically significant reduction in interincisal distance in the post-tonsillectomy patients, caused by fibrous healing of the tonsillar bed or fibrous ankylosis of the TMJ.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction in whiplash injuries: association with tinnitus and vertigo

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction in whiplash injuries is usual. The author describes the mechanism of this joint dysfunction and the physiopathology of tinnitus and associated balance disorders.

An EMG study on TMJ disorders

The Authors have described a clinical case involving a patient with a classical TMJ syndrome and a full range of typical symptoms, both dental and non-dental. The patient underwent a set of EMG tests before his occlusal plane was restored using a special material, immediately following reconstruction and, lastly, three months following the application of a prosthesis. The findings of these EMG tests have shown that the complex symptoms reported by the patient could be traced back to his occlusal plane. Once it was reconstructed, all the typical dental and non-dental symptoms of TMJ disorders subsided.

A study of the influence of occlusal factors and parafunctional habits on the prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the relationship between occlusal factors, parafunctional habits, and TMD in a young adult nonpatient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire including data from a history and clinical functional examination was used in the study. All 230 subjects were male recruits, from 19 to 28 years of age (mean 21.3 years).

RESULTS

Thirty-eight percent of the subjects reported at least one symptom, while in 45% of the subjects at least one sign of TMD was recorded. Temporomandibular joint clicking (40%) and pain on palpation (34%) were the most commonly recorded signs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed several weak but statistically significant correlations between the occlusal factors, parafunctional habits, and TMD in this nonpatient population. TMD signs were thus weakly correlated with malocclusion traits (angle Classes II/1, II/2, III, and cross bite), interferences in retruded contact position, midline discrepancy > or = 2 mm, < or = 10 contacts during maximal biting pressure, nonworking-side interferences, horizontal overlap > or = 5 mm, and parafunctional habits (teeth clenching and teeth grinding).

CONCLUSION

Some association between occlusal factors and TMD signs was found. However, this association cannot be considered unique or dominant in defining subjects with TMD in the population.

[Clinical research on the relationship between the orthondontic treatment and the temporomandibular joint noises]

The sign of the temporomandibular joint(TMJ) noise was assessed through the comparison among seventy orthodontic patients before and after orthondontic treatment. The results showed, after orthondontic treatment the TMJ noise was less than before, no significant correlation was found between TMJ noise and the orthondontic treatment with or without tooth extraction.

Bite force in pre-orthodontic children with unilateral crossbite

In the present study bite force was examined in pre-orthodontic children with unilateral posterior crossbite and compared with an age- and sex-matched control group. The sample comprised 52 children aged 7-13 years, 26 pre-orthodontic children with unilateral posterior crossbite (crossbite group), and 26 children with neutral occlusion (control group). Unilateral bite force was measured at the first molar by means of a pressure transducer. Furthermore, symptoms and signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and number of teeth in contact in the intercuspal position (ICP) were recorded. In both groups, the maximum bite force increased significantly with age and with increasing stages of dental eruption, but the bite force in both sexes did not differ significantly. There were no significant differences in bite force between sides, but this was significantly smaller in the crossbite group than in the controls (P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that stage of dental eruption (P < 0.001), number of teeth in occlusal contact (P < 0.01), and unilateral crossbite (P < 0.001) were the only variables significantly correlated with bite force. The number of teeth in contact was significantly smaller in the crossbite group than in the controls (P < 0.05) and the frequency of muscle tenderness was significantly higher in the crossbite group than in the controls (P < 0.05). These results suggest that differences in the muscle function associated with unilateral crossbite lead to a significantly smaller bite force in the crossbite group compared with controls and this difference did not diminish with age and development. These findings indicate that early treatment of unilateral posterior crossbite is advisable to optimize conditions for function.

Factors associated with the temporomandibular disorder, pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS): Manchester case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the individual and combined effects of potential risk factors in relation to the temporomandibular disorder, Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (PDS).

DESIGN

Case-control study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cases were new referrals to the temporomandibular disorder clinic of the University Dental Hospital of Manchester, diagnosed with PDS. Controls were randomly selected from 24 dental practices. Using a postal questionnaire information was collected on socio-demographic, local mechanical, psychological factors, co-morbidities and illness behaviour. The adjusted participation rate was similar in cases and controls (64%), and 131 cases and 196 controls finally participated in the study.

RESULTS

Compared with the controls, the cases were more likely to report that their teeth felt as though they did not fit together properly [odds ratio (OR) 8, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 6-13] and report history of facial trauma (OR 3, 95% CI 2-6). Both diurnal and nocturnal grinding were significantly associated with PDS, and individuals who reported grinding their teeth both during the day and at night had a risk of 6; 95% CI 3-13 for PDS compared with those who did not. A history of orthodontic treatment, having any dentures, having missing teeth, use of chewing gum or biting the fingernails did not show any relationship with PDS. People who took medication for the bowels had a higher risk of PDS (OR 2, 95% CI 1-4). Participants with frequent headaches had a threefold increase in risk of having PDS (OR 3, 95% CI 2-5) while having pain in parts of the body other than the head was associated with an OR of 3 (95% CI 2-5). An increased propensity to have PDS was seen in those individuals with higher levels of psychological distress (OR 3; 95% CI 1-4 in the highest category, test for trend P < 0.001) and sleep disturbance (OR 5; 95% CI 2-94 in the highest category, test for trend P < 0.001). Aspects of illness behaviour, such as disease conviction (OR 4; 95% CI 2-9 in the highest category) and perception of illness (0.3; 95% CI 0.2-0.5) were associated with PDS. The result for the denial scale became statistically significant after adjustment for age and gender (2; 95% CI 1-3).

CONCLUSIONS

The current case-control study provides complementary epidemiological information on oro-facial pain (OFP) and supports a multifactorial aetiology of PDS, with factors from many domains, including local mechanical factors, psychological and co-morbidities. People with PDS were characterized by frequent headaches, history of facial trauma, teeth grinding, sleep problems, pain elsewhere in the body and high levels of psychological distress. From the results of current study and available evidence it seems inappropriate to consider PDS in isolation and future research should adopt a multidisciplinary approach to OFP.

Dantrolene counteracts the masseter muscle damage induced by artificial occlusal wear: studies in a rat model

In previous studies, we showed that the introduction of occlusal alterations to rats results in masseter muscle abnormalities. Here, we investigate whether administration of the muscle relaxant dantrolene to rats with occlusal alteration could counteract the occurrence of such abnormalities. Rats underwent unilateral amputation of molar cusps to cause malocclusion. Some rats received dantrolene (10 mg/kg/day subcutaneously). The masseter muscles ipsilateral to the amputated molars were excised 26 days later. Sham-operated rats were used as controls. The tissue samples were studied by light and electron microscopy and morphometry. Moreover, tissue Ca2+ content, an index of muscle injury, was determined. In the absence of dantrolene, occlusal alteration leads to microvessel constriction, morphologic damage of masseter muscle fibers and blood capillaries, and elevation of tissue Ca2+ content. These changes were nearly abrogated by dantrolene, thus supporting it as a possible new therapeutic tool for the treatment of malocclusion-induced muscle diseases.

Long-term follow-up of early treatment of unilateral forced posterior cross-bite with regard to temporomandibular disorders and associated symptoms

Forty-four subjects, who at the age of 4 years had been treated for unilateral forced cross-bite by grinding or by maxillary arch expansion, were 16-19 years later followed-up by means of a questionnaire about their present condition with regard to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Twenty-two of them had received only early treatment (early questionnaire group) and 22 had received late treatment (late questionnaire group). Fourteen of the subjects who received late treatment also received early treatment. Twenty-nine of the subjects were also examined clinically. Eighteen of these had only received early treatment at 4 years of age (early clinical group), whereas 11 of them also received later treatment in the mixed or permanent dentition because of relapse (late clinical group). No significant differences were found between the early and late groups with regard to signs and symptoms of TMD. Most of the young adults who had undergone orthodontic treatment had well-functioning masticatory systems, and severe TMD signs and symptoms were rare. The results of this study suggest that relapse of early orthodontic treatment and further need of treatment does not influence the later status of subjective symptoms or clinical signs of TMD in young adults.

Influence of nocturnal bruxism on the stomatognathic system. Part I: a new device for measuring mandibular movements during sleep

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of bruxism on the stomatognathic system. A new device for measuring nocturnal mandibular movements was developed using a PIN photodiode sensor, integrated with polysomnography including electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG) and electro oculography (EOG). One bruxing event was defined depending upon EMG activities above 5% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and mandibular movement for each event was classified into three patterns (clenching, grinding and mix). Three subjects were selected for this study. Two of these reported a bruxing habit and one subject had some symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Mandibular movement was analysed for these subjects. Frequency and duration of the bruxism events were 4.5-10.9 and 47.8-174.9 s h(-1) respectively. Clenching type bruxism was most frequently observed for all three subjects and EMG activities during clenching were stronger than grinding.

[Treatment strategy in functional temporomandibular joint changes]

In the management of functional disturbances of the stomatognathic system symptomatic and causal therapeutic methods can be distinguished. Symptomatic therapy encompasses medication, physical methods (heat, cold, radiation, TENS) in combination with physiotherapy and emergency splint. After one or two weeks of symptomatic therapy the patient should be free of pain allowing precise diagnostic procedures followed by causal therapy managing muscular problems, joint pathology and occlusal disturbances. Splint therapy is used to establish a therapeutic joint position according to articulator mounting. After splint therapy prosthodontic and/or orthodontic treatment is needed to restore occlusion. Interdisciplinary management in the therapy of functional disturbances of the stomatognathic system is of utmost importance due to the relationship between chewing muscles, neck muscles and body posture. In addition to splint therapy, physiotherapy, logopedic therapy, myofunctional therapy, psychologic and psychiatric intervention is performed.

[Non-neoplastic arthropathies of the temporomandibular joint]

The pathologic conditions that involve the TMJ are similar to those conditions that involve other joints in the body. Therefore, many of the radiologic characteristics are also similar. Nevertheless, because of the complex structure and function of this small joint, it is essential to know the variety of diseases that can involve the temporomandibular joint. It is also important to understand that functionally both TMJ's act as a single unit and that any alteration in function caused by a pathologic process on one side may lead to dysfunction on the contralateral side. It is essential that the radiologist is familiar with the principles of TMJ function as well as TMJ pathology.