Association of deep bite with temporomandibular disorder: a systematic review

Introduction: The aim of this study was to critically review the available data about the association between the deep bite and temporomandibular disorder and to discuss, evaluate based on the scientific evidence. Material and methods: Electronic databases were searched. Articles on temporomandibular disorder, any association between deep bite and TMD, data only from human subjects, language in English, randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and case- control studies, prospective clinical studies, and retrospective clinical studies and sample size not less than 30 subjects, overbite more than 4mm or moderate deep bite mentioned in the articles were included. Results: Total 162 articles were retrieved. 13 articles full text was thoroughly evaluated and only 7 articles were included for final evaluation. Out of 7 articles included in 2 studies significant association between deep bite and TMD, in 5 studies no significant association was observed. Except for 1 study, none of the studies considered gender influence for their study. 3 studies were of moderate quality and 4 studies were of low quality and none of the studies had high quality. Conclusion: Scientific evidence is lacking to confirm the association between deep bite and temporomandibular disorder. To set the exact scientific evidence further properly design randomised control trials only between the moderate or severe deep bite and temporomandibular disorder is required.