Relationship of Occlusal Schemes with the Occurrence of Temporomandibular Disorders

Masticatory system is a complex functional unit of the body primarily responsible for mastication, speech and deglutition process. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is used to describe all functional disturbances of the masticatory system. The etiology of TMD is multifactorial, such as occlusal disharmony and emotional stress. The relationship between occlusion and TMD has been highly debated in dentistry, one of the occlusal factors is the occlusal schemes. Occlusal schemes are defined as bilateral canine guidance, unilateral canine guidance, group function, and balanced occlusion. However, studies about the relationship of occlusal schemes and the occurrence of the TMD are still limited and remained controversial. Objective: To investigate the relationship of occlusal schemes with the occurrence of TMD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia. A total of 127 students were included in this study. Subjects were examined based on Clinical Helkimo Index and divided into TMD and non-TMD groups. Subjects were categorized as non-TMD group if the value of clinical Helkimo index was 0 and as TMD group when the value ranged between 1-25. Results: Balanced occlusion schemes has a greater risk of TMD occurrence with odds ratio value of 5.6 and 95 % confidence interval of 1.188 to 26.331 (p=0.021). Conclusion: Balanced occlusion has a significant relationship with the occurrence of TMD.