The Morphology of the Temporomandibular Joint in Subjects with Anterior Overbite and Overjet and Its Association with TMJ Dysfunction - A Clinical, Tomographic and MRI Study

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to correlate morphological changes in temporomandibular joint structures and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in patients with increased overjet and overbite.40 subjects with increased overjet or overbite and 20 with normal overjet and overbite were selected for the study. After clinical examination of TMJ, overjet and overbite were measured on maxillary and mandibular casts with the help of ruler and pencil and the measurements were further subdivided into 3 groups. To assess the morphology of the TMJ conventional tomogram were performed in all subjects and MRI was performed for subjects who were having symptoms of TMD. The data was statistically analyzed. There were only 4 subjects who were symptomatic for TMJD with increased overjet and overbite out of the total 40 subjects in the study group. Also, the symptomatic subjects were found only in the increased (3-6mm) overbite group. Anterior joint space was the only morphological parameter of TMJ that was significantly associated with increased overjet and overbite. However, all other parameters like the Posterior joint space, Superior joint space, height of the articular fossa as well as the percentage of the joint spaces were statistically insignificant when the control group was compared to subjects having increased overjet or overbite. From the present study, it can be stated that overjet and overbite does not play any role in the etiology of TMJD. Increased values of overjet and overbite are compatible with normal functioning of the TMJ.