Overbite and overjet are not related to self-report of temporomandibular disorder symptoms

J Dent Res. 2002 Mar;81(3):164-9.

Abstract

Overbite and overjet, especially high or low values, have been found in some studies to be associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This study evaluates the relationship between overbite/overjet and three TMD self-report measures (pain, joint noises, limited mouth-opening). Subjects were from two population-based cross-sectional studies (3033 subjects). After adjustment for age and gender, high or low values of overbite were not associated with an increased risk of self-reported TMD pain as compared with a reference category of a normal overbite of 2 to 3 mm (-8 to -1 mm, odds ratio = 0.36, 95% confidence interval = 0.05-2.76; 6 to 15 mm, odds ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval = 0.68-1.72). Similar non-significant results were found for overjet and TMD pain, and for the association of overjet/overbite and joint noises or limited mouth-opening. This study provides the strongest evidence to date that there is no association between overbite or overjet and self-reported TMD.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Facial Pain / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Malocclusion / epidemiology*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prognathism / epidemiology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Sound
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Trismus / epidemiology