Association between dental occlusal variables and intraarticular temporomandibular joint disorders: Horizontal and vertical overlap

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It has been suggested that dental occlusion may play a role in the development of intraarticular temporomandibular joint disorders. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the relationship between horizontal and vertical overlap and intraarticular temporomandibular joint disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Vertical and horizontal overlap of the anterior teeth of 82 asymptomatic volunteers and 263 symptomatic patients were examined. RESULTS: Fifty-five (67%) of the asymptomatic volunteers had normal joints and 27 (33%) had disk displacement. Two hundred and twenty-one patients (84%) had disk displacement and 42 (16%) had bilateral symptomatic normal joints. Horizontal overlap equal to or greater than 4 mm was more prevalent in the symptomatic patient group as compared with the asymptomatic volunteer group (p < 0.05). Vertical overlap equal to or greater than 4 mm demonstrated no significant differences. CONCLUSION: Horizontal overlap equal to or greater than 4 mm was greater in symptomatic patients with intraarticular temporomandibular joint disorders.