Prevalence of malocclusion, its association with occlusal interferences and temporomandibular disorders among the Saudi sub-population.

Aims: This Study was conducted to determine the incidence of malocclusion, occlusal interferences, temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) among the Saudi population and to evaluate the possible existence of an association between malocclusion, occlusal interferences and TMD.

Methods: 250 patients attending dental clinics in Abha city, Saudi Arabia for treatment was clinically examined for the degree of malocclusion. Patients were further evaluated for the presence of occlusal interferences and TMD. Data was evaluated by person's correlation and logistic regression to evaluate the association between malocclusion, occlusal interference and TMD.

Results: The results of the study indicate 42.8% of the evaluated subjects had a definitive degree of malocclusion. Among the occlusal interference observed, balancing side interferences were high (47.6%), followed by protrusive interferences (41.2%). The prevalence of TMD among the evaluated subjects was 41.6%, with mandibular deviation and joint sounds were most prevalent. Statistical Analysis (Pearson's correlation) showed the statistically significant correlation between malocclusion and centric slide (p-0.030), posterior missing teeth (p-000). The statistically significant correlation was observed between TMD and balanced side interferences (p-0.000), slide RCP-ICP (p-0.001), reduced occlusal contacts (0.033). Logistic regression analysis showed the strong association of TMD with anterior open bite, increased maxillary overjet, balanced side interferences, and centric slide.

Conclusion: The prevailing malocclusion and TMD among studied population is significantly higher. The preventive dental treatment and community dental education need to be more emphasized.