Correlations Between Mandibular Asymmetries and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to investigate the correlation between mandibular asymmetry and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of the published literature was performed in electronic databases such as PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Saudi Digital Library. Gray literature was searched through System for Information on Grey Literature through OpenGrey. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed in the investigation. The focussed question according to PICO format was: “does the mandibular asymmetry contribute to temporomandibular disorders”? Eligibility criteria included clinical trials (CTs), observation studies, cross-sectional and cohort studies in English that investigated mandibular asymmetries and TMD among patients. Blind and duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were carried out. RESULTS: The initial search resulted in 1906 articles, of which 11 (8 CTs, 1 cross-sectional, 1 retrospective, and 1 observational) studies were selected for qualitative synthesis after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. CONCLUSION: Most of the studies included in this review showed either very high risk or high risk of bias. Despite the low certainty of evidence, the current study indicated a likely relationship between mandibular asymmetries and TMDs.