Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in 19-year-old individuals who have undergone orthodontic treatment.

Fifty-five per cent of the 1554 19-year old subjects in Halmstad, Sweden, born in 1975, have received orthodontic treatment. Among these, 520 have been treated by specialists (specialist group) and 340 by general practitioners after consultation with specialists (consultation group). The aims were to study the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in these two groups on a long-term basis, to identify any possible difference between the groups, and to compare the results with those from a previously presented epidemiological study (control group). From the population of orthodontically treated subjects, a sample was randomly selected to represent the two groups, and 260 subjects agreed to attend for investigation, the participation rate being 77%. The investigation consisted of a questionnaire and clinical examination focusing on function and dysfunction of the masticatory system. Severe signs and symptoms of TMD were rare, the prevalence did not differ significantly between the two orthodontic groups, and the results were similar in the control group. The prevalence of several signs and symptoms was more common in females than in males. No significant correlation between TMD signs and symptoms and occlusal contact recordings was found. It was concluded that the vast majority of the 19-year old individuals who had undergone orthodontic treatment had well-functioning masticatory systems, and severe signs and symptoms of TMD were rare.