Increasing the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) is often indicated in complex oral rehabilitation to gain restorative space and improve the occlusal relationship and aesthetics. The effect of increasing the OVD on lower facial height and facial aesthetics is not well understood and evaluated. The authors present the philosophy of the neuromuscular concept and illustrate it through a case report of a 58-year-old female patient who presented severe deep bite, bruxism, and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUltra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electric Nervous Stimulation (ULF-TENS) is extensively used for pain relief and for the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). In addition to its local effects, ULF-TENS acts on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), with particular reference to the periaqueductal gray (PAG), promoting the release of endogenous opioids and modulating descending pain systems. It has been suggested that the PAG participates in the coupling between the emotional stimulus and the appropriate behavioral autonomic response.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDuring the last few years, interest has been growing to mechatronic and robotic technologies utilized in wearable powered exoskeletons that assist standing and walking. The available literature includes single-case reports, clinical studies conducted in small groups of subjects, and several recent systematic reviews. These publications have fulfilled promotional and marketing objectives but have not yet resulted in a fully optimized, practical wearable exoskeleton.
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