Signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction after introduction of experimental balancing-side interferences

Abstract

A double-blind study was performed in two groups of young, healthy women without signs or symptoms of mandibular dysfunction. Each group contained 12 individuals. In one of the groups, balancing-side interferences were applied bilaterally, whereas the application was simulated in the other group. The participants were re-examined after 2 weeks. Ten individuals in the experimental group reported one or more subjective symptoms during the 2 weeks, whereas seven exhibited clinical signs of dysfunction. The commonest symptom was headache, and the commonest clinical sign was muscles tender to palpation. In the control group, three individuals reported subjective symptoms, and three had clinical signs of dysfunction. One week after elimination of the interferences, all signs and symptoms had disappeared in all individuals but two. In these two subjects it took 6 weeks before pre-experimental conditions were restored. It is concluded that there is no simple relationship between interferences and signs and symptoms of dysfunction. How the individual reacts to local factors depends on his or her psychic condition. In some individuals addition of balancing-side interferences is sufficient to create dysfunction. The findings thus underline the importance of local factors in the etiology of mandibular dysfunction but show that a relationship is not obligatory.

Subjective reactions to intervention with artificial interferences in subjects with and without a history of temporomandibular disorders

“…In subjects with no TMD history and true interferences, adaptation to these symptom dimensions seemed to occur over time. The results are much in line with those of Magnusson & Enbom [19], who also found that difficulties in chewing were indicative at the beginning, but the symptoms diminished after a few days indicating an adaptation to the new situation. However, in the present study, chewing problems persisted throughout the 2-week observation period in the subjects with TMD history and true interferences.…”

Relationship between sleeping occlusal contact patterns and temporomandibular disorders in the adult Japanese population

“…Among epidemiological studies, some authors reported a positive correlation between mediotrusive side interference and signs and symptoms of functional disturbance [7,12]. In this research, we especially focused on the occlusal contact patterns during sleep.…”

Differences in functional variables, fillings, and tooth wear in two groups of 19-year-old individuals

“…The effects on jaw function of introducing interferences in the occlusion have clearly been demonstrated (4)(5)(6). Kampe (7) has claimed that dental restorations are responsible for the development of signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction.…”