Association between posterior crossbite and/or deep bite and temporomandibular disorders among Palestinian adolescents: A sex comparison.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and posterior crossbite and/or deep bite and any possible association between them.

Methods

One thousand-nineteen adolescents responded to a questionnaire regarding oral habits and TMD symptoms. Afterwards, they were diagnosed according to the Axis I of the DC/TMD and underwent a dental examination. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A significant association  was found between posterior crossbite and some TMD diagnosis, but no association was found between deep bite and TMD, nor between occlusal diagnosis and bruxism. TMDs were more prevalent in girls. There was a significant sex difference (more among females) in the prevalence of painful TMDs.

Conclusion

Posterior crossbite in the adolescent population analyzed may be related to TMDs, in contrary to deep-bite. The presence of posterior crossbite may have different impact on TMD findings between the sexes.