Occlusal interferences in retruded contact position and temporomandibular joint sounds.

In 193 non-patient adolescents, unilateral contacts in retruded contact position (RCP) were seen more often in girls than in boys (P < 0.001) and were more frequent in subjects with than without general joint instability (P < 0.05). A negative correlation (r = -0.70***) was found between the side of the temporomandibular joint sound and the side of unilateral contact in RCP. Boys with unilateral contacts in RCP had more non-reciprocal clicking than girls. No signs were found indicating that a unilateral contact in RCP is an aetiological factor for development of temporomandibular disorders. Unilateral contacts in RCP may in adolescents be considered a predictive factor for temporomandibular joint disturbance. Contradictory causes may determine the sagittal distance between RCP and ICP.