Relationship between overbite/overjet and clicking or crepitus of the temporomandibular joint.
OBJECTIVE
Since occlusal variables such as overbite and overjet have been thought to be associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and joint sounds are some of the most prevalent signs of TMD, the aim of this study was to determine whether overbite and overjet are risk factors for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds.


METHODS
A population-based cross-sectional study of 3,033 subjects (age range, 10 to 75 years; 53% female) was conducted in Germany. Overbite/overjet, reproducible reciprocal clicking (RRC) during open-close jaw movements that did not occur in the protrusive jaw position, and joint crepitus were assessed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD).


RESULTS
When age and gender were controlled for, high or low values of overbite and overjet were not associated with a greater risk of RRC and crepitus as compared to a reference category of a normal overbite and overjet of 2 to 3 mm (multiple logistic regression; odds ratios 0.7 to 1.3; P > .05 for all).


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that higher or lower overbite or overjet jaw relationships, even extreme values, are not risk factors for TMJ sounds as assessed by clinical examination.
Hirsch
Christian
C
Department of Preventive Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany. christian.hirsch@medizin.uni-halle.de
John
Mike T
MT
Drangsholt
Mark T
MT
Mancl
Lloyd A
LA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001314:Auscultation; D002648:Child; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013016:Sound; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology*