PATIENTS WITH TMD IN DEVELOPMENTAL AGE AND CORRELATION WITH MALOCCLUSIONS: A TRANSVERSAL PILOT STUDY

This study investigated the prevalence of different symptoms and signs in a population of children and adolescents with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by evaluating the correlation with occlusal variables. TMD signs and symptoms were recorded in 40 subjects (age range 5-15 years), divided into two groups: 20 subjects treated in Chieti (Italy) and 20 in Murcia (Spain). Once the Angle dental class was identified, it was recorded for each patient the signs and/or symptoms of T.M.J. dysfunctions and occlusal interferences. The percentages of signs and symptoms were compared using the χ2-test to determine the differences among the groups for the rates of TMD symptoms, bruxism, joint sounds, deviation during the opening, reduced opening/lateral/protrusive movements, malocclusions, and myofascial pain. There is no statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ2=2.849, p>0.05), an indicator of the same racial origin. Subjects with first dental or skeletal class and deep bite showed a higher prevalence of TMD symptoms. According to literature,it is consedered more linked to TMD problems with the deep bite rather than the first skeletal or dental class.