Occlusion and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Long-Standing Controversy in Dentistry

The relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and occlusion remains controversial. Some authors believe that occlusion is the primary factor in the onset of TMD symptoms, whereas others feel that occlusion has no role in this at all. The majority of reasoning behind causation is based upon anecdotal rather than scientific evidence. Existing evidence in the literature supports the absence of a disease-specific association. This article describes this controversy and provides the reader with findings from contemporary literature.