Is occlusal asymmetry related to diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders categorization? A preliminary study

OBJECTIVE: To compare asymmetry in occlusal contact area, number of occlusal contact points, and number of occluding tooth pairs between healthy individuals and patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) categorized by the DC/TMD. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 49 participants aged 18-45 years, divided into five groups: healthy, muscle pain, joint pain, combined muscle and joint pain, and joint disorder. Occlusal contacts at maximum intercuspation were recorded using an intraoral scanner. STL files were analyzed to quantify occlusal contact area, contact points, and occluding tooth pairs. Clinical and psychosocial variables were assessed using standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: ≥ .05). CONCLUSION: No statistically significant differences in occlusal asymmetry were found among TMD subgroups or healthy individuals. Current evidence does not support the use of intraoral scanning of occlusal contacts for diagnosing or differentiating TMDs.