Comparative Evaluation & Correlation of Severity of Temporo-Mandibular Joint Disorders and Airway Difficulty in Class I and Class II Vertical Growth Pattern Cases

There are contradictory opinions regarding the role of occlusal factors in the initiation of TMDs. These patients rarely visit or are referred to Orthodontists or dentists which also accounts for these TMDs being undiagnosed. There is conflicting evidence where most often TMDs are linked to occlusal prematurities. Undiagnosed. There is conflicting evidence where most often TMDs are linked to occlusal prematurities. There  is a need to assess TMJ dysfunction before beginning of orthodontic treatment so that necessary precautions can be taken while ongoing orthodontic treatment. Also, between the stages of orthodontic treatment. TMJ evaluation will be helpful in monitoring any signs of TMJ dysfunction and TMD disorders so it can be identified and therapeutic measures can be taken. Many studies have been conducted to measure the pharyngeal airway difficulty; however, comparison with Class II individuals and the correlation between the variables involved in Class II malocclusion with airway measurements and TMD clinically has not been conducted, which encouraged the present study. Materials & Methods: Total 50 patients in the age group of 18-30 years visiting the outpatient Department of Orthodontics will be selected after screening and divided into two groups as follows: Group A (Control Group) - 25 class I malocclusion patients. Group B (Experimental group) - 25 class II Division -1 malocclusion in patients having vertical growth pattern. For clinical evaluation of TMD The routine diagnostic pre-treatment records will be taken for each selected patient. For clinical evaluation of airway difficulty SUSMITA Airway Prediction Analysis will be used. The cases will then be subjected to MRI scan for 3Dimensional evaluation of TMJ and Airway. The results obtained will then be subjected to statistical analysis for evaluation, comparison & co-relation. Expected Outcome: There exists a positive co-relation between severity of TMDs and airway difficulty in class II vertical growth pattern cases.