Evaluation of the Possible Correlation Between Dental Occlusion and Craniomandibular Disorders by Means of Teethan® Electromyography: Clinical-Observational Study on 20 Patients
<b>Background:</b> Temporomandibular disorders are a generic term referred to clinical conditions involving the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint with multifactorial pattern and genetic background. The aim of this observational study was to investigate the correlation between craniomandibular disorders and the presence of occlusal alterations. A clinical evaluation of the occlusal and articular status of the patients was carried out, integrating the latter with the electromyographic recording the activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles. <b>Methods:</b> A clinical observational study on 20 adults assessed temporomandibular disorders using DC/TMD criteria, anamnesis, clinical exams, occlusal and electromyographic analyses. Occlusion was evaluated morphologically and functionally. Electromyography tested static/dynamic muscle activity. Data were statistically analyzed using <i>t</i>-tests and Pearson correlation (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Results:</b> Electromyographic analysis revealed significant differences between subjects with and without visual correction, suggesting that visual input influences masticatory muscle activity. Correlations emerged between occlusal asymmetries and neuromuscular parameters. These findings highlight clinical implications for mandibular function, muscle symmetry, and the potential for therapeutic rebalancing through targeted interventions. <b>Conclusions:</b> The study demonstrates a significant correlation between visual-motor integration and masticatory muscle efficiency. It emphasizes lateralized neuromuscular activation's influence on occlusal contact distribution. Moreover, it identifies mandibular torsion-endfeel inverse correlation as a potential diagnostic marker for craniomandibular dysfunctions via surface electromyography.
Authors
- Mario Dioguardi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0949-3457)
- P Bassi
- Alessio Danilo Inchingolo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6366-1039)
- Maria Grazia Piancino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0220-5283)
- Angela Pia Cazzolla (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0842-7351)
- Francesco Inchingolo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3797-5883)
- Vito Crincoli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0236-0205)
- Mariasevera Di Comite (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2450-4425)
- Andrea Palermo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3288-490X)
- Rosalba Lagioia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0715-1550)
- Grazia Marinelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9163-2350)
- Francesca Calò (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5374-7429)
- Gianna Dipalma
- Claudia Ciocia
- Roberta Deodato
- Giulia Marsella
Institutions
- University of Foggia (IT)
- University of Salento (IT)
- San Salvatore Hospital (IT)
- University of Turin (IT)
- University of Bari Aldo Moro (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2025-08-05
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155508
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 8.55