Modifications in Class I and Class II Div. 1 malocclusion during orthodontic treatment and their association with TMD problems.

OBJECTIVE: To observe changes in tooth movements of patients with Class I and Class II malocclusion during the first 6 months of orthodontic treatment and to investigate the relation between TMJ problems and these changes.

METHODS: The sample was comprised of 63 individuals (20 control, 25 Class I malocclusion, 18 Class II Div. 1 malocclusion). Occlusion analysis was performed through T-Scan® record and chewing pattern examination before and after the 6-month period. The existence of TMD was evaluated using joint vibration analysis (JVA). Patients with malocclusion had active fixed orthodontic treatment.

RESULTS: Disclusion time reduced in the patients group during the treatment period. No association was observed between the first 6-month period of the orthodontic treatment and TMD.

DISCUSSION: It is suggested that occlusion analyses should be done before any orthodontic treatment, and disclusion time should be minimized as much as possible.