Assessment of the Prevalence and Severity of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Problems in Patients Seeking Orthodontic Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background and aim: The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of TMD among patient seeking orthodontic treatment.
Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders are a general term used to describe a subset of orofacial pain syndromes (TMDs). This category involves problems with the temporomandibular joint, weariness in the masticatory muscles, difficulty moving the jaw, and articular noises. TMD is most commonly seen in women than in men and is more prevalent between the ages of 20 and 40.
Materials and method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done from June 2025 to March 2026 and 250 patients who had visited the outpatient department (OPD) of the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Yamuna Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Yamuna Nagar were examined. Of these, 200 patients (100 females and 100 males) were included in the study. The prevalence and severity of TMD was assessed using the Fonseca questionnaire.
Results: The results showed the most frequent symptoms elicited by the participants in this study included clicking in the TMJ during chewing, difficulty in mouth opening, headaches and masticatory pain. Females showed higher prevalence of TMD signs and symptoms than men. Also, there was a greater frequency of symptoms in those who self-reported as stressed.
Conclusion: TMD was common in those with headaches, clicking sounds when opening or chewing, and muscle soreness. The extent of effect on normal daily activity was found to be significantly more among those having severe TMD.
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