Original scientific paper
Temporomandibular Disorders and Orthodontic Treatment Need in Orthodontically Untreated Children and Adolescents
Stjepan Špalj
orcid.org/0000-0003-4836-3903
; University of Rijeka, School of Medicine, Department of Orthodontics, Rijeka, Croatia
Martina Šlaj
; University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics, Zagreb, Croatia
Athanasios E. Athanasiou
; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Thessaloniki, Greece
Irena Žak
; Dental Offi ce Nova Gradiška, Nova Gradiška, Croatia
Martina Šimunović
; Dental Offi ce Split, Split, Croatia
Mladen Šlaj
; University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the association between signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders
(TMD) and orthodontic treatment need in orthodontically untreated children and adolescents. One thousand fi ve hundred
and ninety-seven subjects aged 11–19 years, without previous orthodontic history, from sixteen randomly selected public
schools in Zagreb, Croatia, were examined. Malocclusion characteristics were assessed by using the criteria proposed by
Bjork et al., the Dental Aesthetic Index, and the Aesthetic Component of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Data on
TMD signs / symptoms and parafunctional behaviour were obtained by means of questionnaire and clinical examination,
respectively. Multiple logistic regression models were used for analysis. Twenty-two percent of children and young adolescents
had one or more signs of TMD, ranging from 17% in age of 11 years up to 24% in age of 19. There was poor correlation
between presence of TMD and orthodontic treatment need. Multiple logistic regression models showed that Class
III, crowding and spacing were related to mandibular defl ection on opening. Ectopic eruption was related to TMJ clicking,
and severely tipped teeth with reduced mouth opening. Headaches presented a positive relationship with reverse
overjet and severe rotations, and tooth wear with crowding, spacing and lateral openbite. Age, female gender and parafunctional
habits were related to several TMD signs. Although logistic regression models were statistically signifi cant
(p<0.05) malocclusions, parafunctional behaviours, age and gender accounted for less than 20% of the variability in TMD
signs / symptoms. TMD signs and symptoms seemed to be poorly related to malocclusions or treatment needs.
Keywords
temporomandibular disorders; malocclusion; orthodontic treatment need
Hrčak ID:
147706
URI
Publication date:
30.3.2015.
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