Assessment of type of bite and vertical dimension of occlusion in children and adolescents with temporomandibular disorder

SummaryThe aim of the present study was determine the type of bite and abnormalities in the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) among children and adolescents with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The Helkimo index was employed for the diagnostic investigation of TMD. A clinical examination was performed for the determination of occlusion. The VDO was measured using a digital caliper. Fisher's exact text was used to determine associations between type of bite, gender and TMD. The Student's t-test was used to compare age and VDO by gender. The significance level was set to 5% or corresponding p-value. Children and adolescents with anterior open bite were 1.2-fold more likely to develop TMD in comparison to those without any type of malocclusion. The same was found for those with posterior crossbite and mixed malocclusion. A statistically significant association was found between the VDO and age in both genders. TMD affected 68.85% of the sample. No correlation was found between malocclusion, VDO and TMD in the sample. The present findings suggest that individuals with malocclusion are more prone to TMD. Therefore, it is important to evaluate all variables capable of influencing the harmony of the stomatognathic system for an effective diagnosis of TMD and malocclusion.