CORRELATION OF OCCLUSAL FACTORS AND CONDYLE POSITION ASYMMETRY WITH SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS IN YOUNG-ADULTS

The role of the occlusion in the etiology and prevalence of temporoman dibular disorders (TMD) has not been conclusively demonstrated. Occlus al factors and condyle position asymmetry as deduced from computed tom ography (CT) axial scans were correlated with signs and symptoms of TM D in 49 young adults (mean age 24 years, range 15-33 years) with compl ete or almost complete dentition. A statistically significant correlat ion was noted between these signs and symptoms and occlusal variables describing asymmetry (the amount and lateral deviation of the slide fr om the retruded contact position (RCP) to the intercuspal position (IP ), deviation of protrusion and asymmetry in bilateral cuspid occlusion ). It seems that occlusal discrepancy can be a predisposing factor to TMD, especially when it is asymmetrically expressed.