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Increased resting electromyographic activity (EMG), reduced EMG during maximum voluntary clenching, and a shift to lower frequencies of the mean/median power frequency (MPF) of the EMG power spectrum have been reported for patients with temporomandibular disorder pain. It is unclear, however, whether these electrophysiological phenomena can be correlated with symptom improvement during the follow-up of myofascial pain patients in treatment. The objective of this study was to monitor the therapeutic effects of two different splint concepts (standard method and a complex splint procedure assisted by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS) for a period of 12 weeks, by use of clinical outcome criteria and EMG recordings. We tested the hypotheses that both measures evaluated will change in parallel during treatment and that the different splint concepts will result in no outcome differences between the variables studied. For two randomly selected groups, each containing 20 non-chronic myofascial pain patients, the clinical course after splint insertion was documented over a period of 12 weeks on the basis of pain and pain on palpation ratings, in parallel with EMG recording. Baseline values were monitored for matched healthy subjects. Although there was no correlation between the course of symptom improvement and significant changes in EMG data, MPF differed significantly (p < 0.05) between healthy subjects and patients. The therapeutic effects of splints of different clinical complexity differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the patient groups, in favor of the complex oral appliances, and substantial (p < 0.001) but temporary pain relief was achieved by additional TENS. For non-chronic myofascial TMD pain patients treated with splints, the course of symptom improvement is not paralleled by significant changes in EMG data. MPF can, however, be used to distinguish between healthy subjects and patients. Splints of different clinical complexity differ in their therapeutic effects in non-chronic myofascial TMD patients, and substantial temporarily limited pain relief can be achieved by additional muscle stimulation by TENS.

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Occlusal devices can protect the dentition from attrition and are commonly prescribed for the treatment of myogenous orofacial pain. The occlusal scheme of the device controls the forces on teeth during mandibular closure and excursions. Smooth anterior guidance from anterior teeth contact and posterior teeth disclusion has been described as a component of a therapeutic occlusion. Clinical research on the effects of occlusal devices is extensive, but documentation about the actual occlusion studied is lacking. A classification of anterior guidance design for occlusal devices and the rationale for optimum force distribution is presented. This classification can guide clinicians as to the criteria for proper occlusal device fabrication and improve dental research.

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PURPOSE: Treatment with an occlusal splint is used for temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and occlusal disturbance to relieve orofacial symptoms such as myofascial pain and jaw movement restriction. However, the effects of various types of occlusal splints have not been elucidated. We investigated the effects of jaw clenching with soft and hard occlusal splints on the awareness of tiredness, bite force, and EEG activity. METHODS: Six healthy adults were used as subjects, with a visual analogue scale utilized to evaluate the awareness of each patient's tiredness both preceding the session and following the clenching trials. In addition, a Dental Prescale was used to measure bite force and an EEG recording was conducted while performing jaw clenching. The jaw clenching task comprised 1min of maximal voluntary clenching under 3 kinds of clenching conditions: with natural dentition, and with soft and hard occlusal splints, which were each repeated 5 times. RESULTS: Jaw clenching with natural dentition and a hard occlusal splint did not cause a significant awareness of tiredness following repetitive jaw clenching, and there was not a significant alteration of EEG spectrum values with those conditions. In contrast, jaw clenching with a soft occlusal splint caused a significant increase in awareness of tiredness, as well as significant decreases in bite force and EEG alpha 2 power spectrum values. CONCLUSIONS: Jaw clenching with a soft resilient occlusal splint causes an awareness of tiredness, which might be accompanied by declines in bite force and EEG spectrum values.

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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are important and common physical signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the effect of the use of occlusal bite splints (stabilizing and repositioning) on the sounds produced in the TMJ, by means of the electrovibratography (EVG). Thirty-one patients with TMD from the Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil were selected for this study. Group 1 (n=23) wore stabilizing bite splints and Group 2 (n=8) used anterior repositioning splints. Before and after treatment with occlusal splints both groups were analyzed using the SonoPAK Q/S recording system (BioResearch System, Inc.). The treatments with stabilizing bite splints were satisfactory, since they reduced the total amount of the sound energies (p<0.05), but the use of anterior repositioning splints for no more than 4 weeks produced significantly better results (p<0.01). The total amount of vibration energy involved in the vibrating movements of the TMJ showed significant improvement using anterior repositioning splints.

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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are important and common physical signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the effect of the use of occlusal bite splints (stabilizing and repositioning) on the sounds produced in the TMJ, by means of the electrovibratography (EVG). Thirty-one patients with TMD from the Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil were selected for this study. Group 1 (n=23) wore stabilizing bite splints and Group 2 (n=8) used anterior repositioning splints. Before and after treatment with occlusal splints both groups were analyzed using the SonoPAK Q/S recording system (BioResearch System, Inc.). The treatments with stabilizing bite splints were satisfactory, since they reduced the total amount of the sound energies (p<0.05), but the use of anterior repositioning splints for no more than 4 weeks produced significantly better results (p<0.01). The total amount of vibration energy involved in the vibrating movements of the TMJ showed significant improvement using anterior repositioning splints.

Os ruídos da articulação temporomandibular (ATM) são sinais físicos importantes e comuns da disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do uso da placa oclusal (estabilizadora e reposicionadora) nos sons produzidos na ATM, por meio da eletrovibratografia (EVG). Um total de 31 pacientes da Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto - USP foram selecionados para este estudo. O grupo 1 (n=23) foi selecionado para usar a placa estabilizadora e o grupo 2 (n=8) para usar a placa reposicionadora. Antes e depois do uso das placas os grupos foram analisados usando o SonoPAK Q/S (BioResearch System). Os tratamentos com placas estabilizadoras foram satisfatórios quando analisados estatisticamente uma vez que reduziram a quantidade total de energia dos sons (p<0,05). O tratamento com placa reposicionadora, por 4 semanas no máximo, produziu melhores resultados estatísticos (p<0,01). A quantidade total de energia de vibração nos movimentos vibratórios da ATM mostrou significante melhora usando a placa reposicionadora.

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PURPOSE: The bite stop (jig) is commonly used in clinical practice. It has been recommended as a simple means to routinely record or provide centric relation closure and, more recently, to reduce migraines and tension-type headaches. However, the reason for the jig effect has yet to be explained. This study tested the hypothesis that it works through a decrease in masticatory muscle activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of a jig placed on the maxillary anterior teeth was investigated by recording the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the superficial masseter and anterior temporal muscles at postural position and when swallowing on the jig. EMG recordings were obtained from 2 groups of pain patients (myofascial and neuropathic) and from 2 groups of pain-free patients (disc derangement and controls) unaware of the role of dental occlusion treatments. RESULTS: EMG activity in postural position was higher in pain groups than in pain-free groups. The jig strongly but temporarily decreased the postural EMG activity for masseter muscles in all groups except for the neuropathic group and for temporal muscles in the myofascial group. The EMG activity when swallowing with the jig was reduced in control, disc derangement, and myofascial groups; however, EMG "hyperactivity" in the neuropathic pain group seemed to be locked. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of postural EMG activity, especially in the myofascial group, was short lasting and cannot be considered as evidence to support the hypothesis of a long-term muscle relaxation jig effect. However, the results may uphold certain short-term clinical approaches.

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BACKGROUND: The authors evaluated temporomandibular disorder (TMD) outcomes in general dental practice one year after treatment with stabilizing splints (SS) or nonoccluding control splints (CS). METHODS: Seventy-two randomly allocated subjects completed initial treatment. The outcomes measures were a pain visual analog scale (VAS), muscle tenderness, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tenderness, interincisal opening, TMJ clicks and headaches. After initial treatment, 81 percent of the subjects were found to have been treated satisfactorily. The dentists referred the remaining subjects to a dental hospital. At one year, the authors recalled 52 of the original subjects for evaluation. RESULTS: Improvements after initial treatment were maintained at one year for all outcomes, except for TMJ clicking, which returned to pretreatment levels. Eighty-one percent of the subjects rated their treatment as either good or excellent in reducing jaw pain. The authors found that subjects were aware of more of their TMJ clicks than dentists observed at the one-year clinical examination, but most subjects thought their clicking or the associated pain had been reduced. Fifty-five percent subjects had used their splints in the previous six months, but only 31 percent of these had done so daily. There were no significant differences between splint groups. CONCLUSION: At one year, a good response to TMD treatment in general practice had been maintained, but many subjects still had clicking TMJs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Trained dentists can manage TMD satisfactorily, with only a small proportion of patients needing specialist attention.

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BACKGROUND: The authors compared the efficacy of bilateral balanced and canine guidance (occlusal) splints in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain in subjects who experienced joint clicking with a nonoccluding splint in a double-blind, controlled randomized clinical trial. METHODS: The authors randomly assigned 57 people with signs of disk displacement and TMJ pain into three groups according to the type of splint: bilateral balanced, canine guidance and nonoccluding. The authors followed the groups for six months using analysis of a visual analog scale (VAS), palpation of the TMJ and masticatory muscles, mandibular movements and joint sounds. They used repeated analysis of variance and a chi(2) test to test the hypothesis. RESULTS: The type of guidance used did not influence the pain reduction, yet both occlusal splints were superior to the nonoccluding splint, on the basis of the VAS. Despite similar outcomes in relation to opening, left lateral and protrusive movements, TMJ and muscle pain on palpation, subjects who used the occlusal splints had improved clinical outcomes. The frequency of joint noises decreased over time, with no significant differences among groups. Subjects in the groups using the occlusal splints reported more comfort. CONCLUSION: The type of lateral guidance did not influence the subjects' improvement. All of the subjects had a general improvement on the VAS, though subjects in the occlusal splint groups had better results that did subjects in the nonoccluding splint group.

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AIMS: To investigate the efficacy of the anterior repositioning splint and the canine-protected splint in relieving the signs and symptoms of anterior disc displacement with reduction, and to evaluate the effects of both splints on disc position using a standardized magnetic resonance imaging measurement technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 18 adult subjects was studied. The joint disorder was dually diagnosed via pretreatment clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging. The sample was randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, each subject received an anterior repositioning splint; in the second group, each subject received a canine-protected splint. The treatment lasted 3 months. A standardized magnetic resonance imaging 10-step procedure was developed. Posttreatment clinical examinations and magnetic resonance imagings were done. Pretreatment and posttreatment records were statistically compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Both types of splints were effective in eliminating pain and clicking. All magnetic resonance imaging measurements showed that the canine-protected splint was superior to the anterior repositioning splint, as it allowed the articular disc to resume its normal length and shape while moving in a posterior direction toward recapture. Disc recapture was demonstrated via magnetic resonance imaging in 25% of the subjects from the anterior repositioning splint group, in 40% of the subjects from the canine-protected splint group, and in 33.3% of the subjects from both groups. Thus, noninvasive treatment techniques (such as occlusal splint therapy) might be the treatment of choice for anterior disc displacement with reduction.

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Pain and joint noises associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement are often treated by using an intra-oral splint. This study evaluated whether an anterior repositioning splint (AR splint) could be more effective in the treatment of these symptoms than a full-arch maxillary stabilization splint (FAMS splint), because of its capability to re-establish immediately the normal condyle/disk relationship. The authors treated 40 patients (average age 16.8; range 8.0-24.0) with confirmed internal derangement, joint pain, and joint noises in at least one TMJ for at least two months, with AR splint (20 subjects) or FAMS splint (20 subjects); 10 untreated patients comprised the control group. Joint noise, joint pain, and the intensity of pain were assessed using a visual analogic scale (VAS), and the pain was characterized (i.e., constant or chewing/biting pain) and evaluated monthly for eight months. Significantly fewer AR splint patients experienced pain after four months of treatment. A significantly lower intensity of pain was experienced by the AR splint patients after two months of treatment. Significantly fewer AR splint patients experienced chewing/biting pain after eight months of treatment. The frequency of joint noises decreased over time, with no significant differences between the groups. In conclusion, the AR splint seems to be more effective in decreasing pain, but it seems to make no difference in the treatment of joint noises.

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PURPOSE: This study compared the long-term effects of treatment with a stabilization appliance and treatment with a control appliance in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a controlled trial, 60 TMD patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain were evaluated after 10 weeks of treatment with either a stabilization appliance or a control appliance. At the 10-week follow-up, the 60 patients were assigned to one of three groups according to their demand for treatment. Group T, the treatment group, comprised 30 patients treated with a stabilization appliance; group C, the control group, comprised nine patients treated with a control appliance; and group M, the mixed treatment group, comprised 21 patients treated with first a control appliance and then a stabilization appliance. Signs and symptoms were evaluated in all three groups at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS: At the 6- and 12-month follow-ups, a significant reduction in TMJ pain as measured on a visual analogue scale was found in all three groups, and a significant decrease in signs and symptoms was found in groups T and M. CONCLUSION: After 6 and 12 months of use, the stabilization appliance was found to still be effective in the alleviation of signs and symptoms in patients with TMD. Many patients in group C changed to a stabilization appliance at the 1 0-week follow-up, which significantly reduced the number of patients in this group. Most patients reported positive change in overall subjective symptoms in this trial. The stabilization appliance can therefore be recommended for patients with TMD.

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Occlusal splints are one form of treatment in the management of patients with a temporomandibular disorder. Appliances are often used in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy or medication. A variety of splints is described in the literature and the dentist must ensure that the splint prescribed is of a design that has a proven success rate for the specific diagnosis. General principles that apply to the provision of all splints are outlined in this paper.

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Occlusal appliances are often used for the diagnosis and treatment of pain and dysfunction related to the mastication system, despite the lack of a precise diagnosis. We reviewed the indications for occlusal appliances, classing them by accepted procedures for precise diagnosis. The type of appliance to use for each pathological situation is described. Conditions other than those described here do not, in the author's opinion, constitute warranted indications for occlusal appliances.

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