Instrumental Occlusal Analysis in Migraine Patients: A Quantitative Cross Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate possible differences of functional occlusal variables between a group of migraine patients (MG) and a control group (CG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each group included 50 individuals. Instrumental functional analysis and digital occlusal analysis were performed. Variables examined were condylar displacement from a reference position to maximum intercuspation; angular difference between the steepness of the articular eminence and the contra-lateral canine guidance; and angular difference between the steepness of the articular eminence and the ipsilateral central incisor guidance and occlusal plane inclination. Self-reported grinding and occlusal index were also investigated. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the extent of retral condylar displacement assessed both clinically [MG 0.49 mm (SD 0.67 mm), CG 0.29 mm (SD 0.27 mm), p = 0.012] and digital-mechanically [MG 1.53 mm (SD 0.95 mm), CG 0.9 mm (SD 0.66 mm), p = 0.001], the angular difference between the steepness of the articular eminence and the contra-lateral canine guidance [MG 13.11° (SD 8.33°), CG 9.47° (SD 7.08°), p = 0.021 and MG 12.94° (SD 8.71°), CG 9.44° (SD 8.70°), p = 0.017], and the occlusal plane inclination [MG 11.16° (SD 4.66°), CG 9.09° (SD 4.37°), p = 0.024]. Self-reported grinding (MG 39/50, CG 12/50, p < 0.001) and occlusal index [MG 1.92 (SD 0.46), CG 0.21 (SD 0.66), p < 0.001] were also significantly higher in migraineurs. CONCLUSIONS: Articular and occlusal structures could play a role in migraine and thus should be considered in an interdisciplinary approach.