title: Occlusal interferences and temporomandibular dysfunction.
abstract: Disagreement exists regarding the relationship between occlusal interferences and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). This study sought to determine how a balanced occlusion, providing uniform contact in centric relation, would affect signs and symptoms of TMD. A randomly chosen group of 60 patients with occlusal interferences and signs and symptoms of TMD used a mandibular orthotic to balance their occlusions at centric relation (CR). When the occlusions of symptomatic patients were balanced in CR, there was a significant reduction or elimination of TMD complaints, suggesting a relationship between balancing occlusion in CR and optimum management of TMD.
authors.affiliation: Pankey Institute, Key Biscayne, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Dennis K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Barker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001182:Arthroscopy; D016302:Centric Relation; D003767:Dental Occlusion, Balanced; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D019558:Occlusal Adjustment; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome