Investigation of the association between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction in the South Korean population

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in South Korean population. Methods: This study obtained data from the 2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The final sample size was 5,567 participants who were >= 19 years of age. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD. Results: Participants who underwent orthodontic treatment showed higher educational level, lower body mass index, reduced chewing difficulty, and reduced speaking difficulty. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for orthodontic treatment and TMD were 1.614 (1.189-2.190), 1.573 (1.162-2.129) and 1.612 (1.182-2.196) after adjusting for age, sex and psychosocial factors. Adjusted ORs and their 95% CIs for orthodontic treatment and clicking were 1.778 (1.289-2.454), 1.742 (1.265-2.400) and 1.770 (1.280-2.449) after adjusting for confounding factors. However, temporomandibular joint pain and functional impairment was not associated with orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: Temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction was not associated with orthodontic treatment.