Evaluation of occlusion types, pain severity, and onset of complaints in 127 patients with temporomandibular disorders: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to evaluate if occlusal types affect the type of temporomandibular disorders and if the onset of complaints are related to the type of internal derangements.

METHODS: One hundred thirty-four patients were evaluated. Occlusion types were grouped as Angle Class I, II, and III. The temporomandibular disorders were classified as masticatory muscle disorders, anterior disc dislocation with reduction, and anterior disc dislocation without reduction.

RESULTS: No significant relationships were found between the occlusion types, pain severity, the onset of the complaints, and the temporomandibular disorders. Premature contacts were found to be significantly higher in Class II and Class III patients, but no significant relations were found between premature contacts and temporomandibular disorders.

DISCUSSION: Occlusal features are not discriminant factors in the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders. Also, it cannot be concluded that the longer the patients have temporomandibular disorders, the higher their pain scores will be.