Evaluation of the Association of Temporomandibular Disorders with Occlusal Interferences, Wear Facets and Acquired Flat Foot: A Cross-sectional study

Temporomandibular disorders,Occlusal interference, Wear facets,Acquired flatfoot,Foot posture,Prosthodontics,Oral rehabilitation.

Dr. Sanath Kumar Shetty1
Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, crown
and bridge, Yenepoya Dental College,
Yenepoya Deemed to Be University, India

Dr. Anusha Ishwarappa Katageri2
Post-graduate Student, Department of
Prosthodontics, crown and bridge
Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya Deemed
to Be University, India

Dr. MALLIKARJUNA RAGHER*3
Additional Professor, Department of
Prosthodontics, crown and bridge,
Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya Deemed
to Be University, India

Dr. Rajesh Shetty4
Professor and Head of the Department,
Department of Prosthodontics, crown and
bridge, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya
Deemed to Be University, India

Dr. Saif Sajjad Momin5
Post-graduate Student
Department of Prosthodontics, Crown and
bridge, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya
Deemed to Be University, India

Dr. Shrimaa Bharath Kateel6
Assistant Professor
Department of Prosthodontics, crown and
bridge, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya
Deemed to Be University, India

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Dr. MALLIKARJUNA RAGHER*3
Additional Professor
Department of Prosthodontics,crown and
bridge, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya
Deemed To Be University,Mangaluru, India
ragher@yenepoya.edu.in

Received:15-06-2026
Revised:19-07-2026
Accepted: 24-07-2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(3), 47–54

Evaluation of the Association of Temporomandibular Disorders with Occlusal Interferences, Wear Facets and Acquired Flat Foot: A Crosssectional study

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect the temporomandibular joint and masticatory system and may influence mandibular position, occlusal stability, and prosthodontic rehabilitation. Functional disturbances within the stomatognathic system may also be associated with postural adaptations. Aim: To evaluate the association of TMDs with occlusal interferences, occlusal wear facets, and acquired flatfoot. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 participants aged 18–40 years, divided into a TMD group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). TMD was diagnosed using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) Axis I protocol. Premature contacts and occlusal interferences were assessed using articulating paper, and wear facets were clinically evaluated. Foot posture was assessed using Clarke’s angle obtained from footprint analysis. Results: Participants with TMD demonstrated a higher prevalence of occlusal interferences and wear facets than controls. A significant association was observed between TMD and altered medial longitudinal arch morphology, with a greater prevalence of moderate and severe flatfoot among participants with TMD (p<0.001). Conclusion: TMDs are associated with functional occlusal alterations and acquired flatfoot, supporting a potential relationship between stomatognathic dysfunction and postural adaptation. Assessment of TMJ function, occlusion, and postural parameters may improve prosthodontic diagnosis and the predictability of comprehensive oral rehabilitation.

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