The role of occlusion in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC) 1966.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of occlusion in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC 1966).

METHODS: Subjects ( n  = 1962) participated in clinical medical and dental examinations. The association between TMD signs and diagnoses with occlusal disturbances, i.e. malocclusions and occlusal interferences, was examined. Pearson's chi-square test, as expressed by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and logistic regression models, were used in the analysis.

RESULTS: A statistically significant association was found between myalgia and lateral scissor bite and also between arthralgia and lateral deviation in the retruded contact position and intercuspal contact position (RCP-ICP) slide. Pain in the masticatory muscles was associated with negative overjet and the amount of RCP-ICP slide.

DISCUSSION: Occlusal factors showed a statistically significant association with TMD. The TMD signs were associated with unstable occlusion, especially the amount and lateral deviation in RCP-ICP slide, as well as negative overjet.