A close relationship between
dentofacial deformities (
DFD) and
temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has been suggested, which might impact the quality of life (QoL) and psychological aspects. We evaluated the presence of TMD in
DFD patients, correlating these findings with QoL and salivary levels of
biochemical markers of
pain and psychological disorders. The study enrolled 51 patients, which were distributed into three groups: (i) orthodontic, (ii) TMD, and (iii)
DFD. TMD diagnosis was conducted according to Axis I and II of the Diagnostic Criteria for
Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). QoL was evaluated by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The salivary levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by ELISA, while
glutamate and
serotonin amounts were evaluated by mass spectroscopy.
DFD individuals had a positive diagnosis for TMD, as indicated by the Axis I (DC/TMD). They exhibited poorer outcomes regarding
pain, functional, and psychological dimensions, according to the Axis II DC-TMD. The QoL evaluation demonstrated poorer outcomes for
DFD individuals, accompanied by greater IL-1β salivary contents. Notably,
glutamate levels had a positive correlation with behavioral parameters in Axis II DC-TMD, with a mild relevance for
serotonin.
DFD patients display chronic myofascial
pain featuring TMD, with altered psychological symptoms and poor QoL, encompassing changes in
pain mediators. Data bring new evidence about the relevance of TMD in
DFD patients, which likely impacts the QoL and the salivary levels of
biochemical markers of functional, painful, and psychological disorders.