Clinical study on head and jaw position of patients with muscle temporomandibular disorder

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorder is a collective term encompassing a wide range of clinical orofacial joint and muscle problems. The stomatognatic system is part of the postural system, so changes in one system may interfere with the other. This study aimed at observing whether there is change in jaw and head position before and after temporomandibular disorder treatment. METHODS: Participated in the study 16 volunteers, aged above 18 years, of both genders, who looked for assistance in the dentistry course clinic of a Public University, with diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder according to Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder Research. Volunteers were submitted to X-rays (teleradiography with analysis of cephalometric points); posture in physiologic centric relation was evaluated by computerized photogrammetry and pain intensity was evaluated by the visual analog scale from zero to 10. Patients were evaluated before and after 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Pain has decreased from 6.43±2.84 to 2.17±2.39, before and after treatment, respectively (p<0.05). Vertical head alignment, in initial angle, has changed from 21.84º±17.49º to 11.38º±14.61º (p<0.05). Jaw position has changed from A-NB (angle indicating mandible-jaw relationship in the anterior posterior direction): 4.95±2.52mm to A-NB: 4.64±2.52mm (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Muscle temporomandibular disorder changes vertical head alignment and interferes with jaw position.