An analysis of temporomandibular joint vibration about the balanc-ing side occlusal contacts and temporomandibular joint noises

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of balancing side occlusal contacts on temporomandibular joints (TMJ) through sonography. In this study, 100 adults with no symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) such as pain or opening disorder but with the possibility of clicking sounds were investigated. Subjects were checked for occlusal interferences with articulating paper, and the presence of clicking sounds with TMJ palpation and stethoscopy. Subsequently, they were classified into four groups according to their status of occlusal interferences or clicking sounds for each category. The joint vibration of the subjects was recorded using joint vibration analysis (JVA). JVA indexes (total integral, integral 300 Hz, peak amplitude, peak frequency, >300/< 300 ratio, med. frequency, max. opening) were measured and compared. All JVA indexes showed no statistically significant difference between the groups. Only JVA index of > 300/< 300 ratio, med. frequency showed a statistically significant difference in the group with both interference and clicking sound. If there are balancing side interferences and clicking sounds at the same time, a larger >300/<300 ratio, med. frequency showed that the interferences and the TMJ clicking sounds were chronic and affected the TMJ vibration.