The Frequency of Temporomandibular Disorders, Surgical Complications, and Self-Reported Mental Health Problems in Orthognathic Patients

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), surgical complications, and patient's self-reported mental health problems during orthognathic treatment. Material and Methods: The clinical records of 145 patients treated with orthognathic treatment were retrospectively studied. Variables regarding occlusal parameters, treatment duration, TMD symptoms, complications, and self-reported mental health status at time points of T0 (beginning of the treatment), T1 (before surgery), and T2 (final examination) were evaluated. The variables were statistically compared with significance level of P < 0.05. Results: A total of 51% (n = 74) of the patients had TMD symptoms at 1 or several time points, women having significantly more TMD signs and symptoms (P = 0.002). Temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms decreased significantly after orthognathic treatment (P<0.001). At least 1 self-reported mental health-related factor during 1 or several time points (T0-T2) was recorded in 17.2% (n = 25) of the patients. There was no significant difference in frequency of self-reported mental health problems in patients with TMD signs and symptoms compared with patients without TMD signs and symptoms (P > 0.05). The frequency of postoperative complications was 39.3%, being significantly higher after Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteothomy (BSSO, 48.7%). There was no difference in treatment duration of patients with self-reported mental health problems compared with patients without (P> 0.05). Conclusions: In this study population, TMD signs and symptoms seem to be typical both in patients with or without self-reported mental health problems. Women had significantly more TMD symptoms. Orthognathic surgery treatment seems to have a positive effect on TMD signs and symptoms.