Orthodontic History as a Potential Risk Factor for Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Descriptive-Analytical Pilot Study

Abstract

Starting point:
Temporomandibular dysfunction represents a heterogeneous group of disorders with multifactorial etiology involving biomechanical, muscular, psychosocial, and neurophysiological factors. The association between orthodontic history and the development of TMD remains unclear. While some meta-analyses report a slightly increased risk after orthodontic treatment, other large-scale studies do not confirm this relationship. Individual predispositions and malocclusions appear to play a stronger role than orthodontic treatment itself.

Group:
The study included 28 patients aged 18–68 years diagnosed with temporomandibular joint pain. Seventeen participants (60.7%) reported previous orthodontic treatment.

Methods:
Patients were divided according to orthodontic history. The primary outcome was temporomandibular joint pain intensity measured using a VAS scale (0–10). Normality of distribution was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, histogram inspection, and comparison of mean and median values. Due to non-normal distribution, nonparametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and chi-square) were applied. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:
Patients with orthodontic history showed a median VAS score of 5 (IQR 5–6), mean 5.35, while those without demonstrated a median of 6 (IQR 5–6), mean 5.55. The difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Headaches were reported by 76.5% of patients with orthodontic history and 81.8% of those without, with no significant difference.

Conclusions:
Orthodontic history was not associated with increased pain intensity or higher headache prevalence in this TMD cohort. The findings support the multifactorial understanding of TMD and indicate that orthodontic treatment is unlikely to represent a primary risk factor.