Influence of occlusal characteristics on temporomandibular joint disorder development –a cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aimed at assessing occlusal characteristics and their relation with sign and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder in a population group. Material and methods: Two hundred thirteen fourth year dental medicine students (mean age of 23±4.24 years) were evaluated according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular joint Disorder form, but the examination also included additional procedures. Results: Pain in the oro-facial muscles was more frequent in female patients comparing to males. Articular and muscular pain is more frequent among subjects with interferences during the slide between Centric Relation and Maximum Intercuspation (articular p=0.038, OR 3.089, Cl 95%, 1.066-8.954), muscular p=0.045, OR 3.771, Cl 95%, 1.031-13.793). They can determine contractions of the masticatory muscles, affecting more often trapezius muscle (p=0,04), lateral pterygoid muscle (p