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

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.