Objectives: Occlusal splints are the main therapeutic choice in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, their precise working mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical effect of three commercially available splint designs (full covering splint, anterior bite splint and posterior bite splint) during biting in a sample of healthy subjects.
Materials And Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was combined with jaw tracking to measure the minimal intraarticular distance (MID) of 20 human temporomandibular joints (TMJ) whilst simultaneously recording the electromyogram (EMG) of the masticatory muscles. The changes caused by clenching with a bite force of 100 N without splint (baseline) and on each splint were calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed on the means of the MID variations and EMG amplitudes.
Results: Clenching on the anterior bite splint resulted in two times less activation of the anterior temporalis muscle than baseline (p = 0.003), full covering (p = 0.011) and posterior bite splint (p = 0.011). MID was reduced by clenching in all conditions, but the reduction was almost three times larger with the anterior bite splint compared to no splint (p = 0.011). The full covering splint and the posterior bite splint did not differ significantly in EMG activation of both masseter and temporalis muscles and MID variation.
Conclusions: This study showed that splint designs have a different impact on the MID and EMG activation while clenching. The anterior bite splint had a greater impact on the reduction of the muscle activation, whereas clenching on the anterior bite splint led to bigger reduction of MID and thus had the greatest influence on alteration in the condylar position.
Clinical Relevance: The design of the splint can affect MID and muscle activation and is a variable to consider in the treatment of patients with TMD according to their symptoms.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-024-05980-0 | DOI Listing |
Contemp Clin Dent
December 2024
Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
This article outlines the orthodontic treatment of a 21-year-old female patient with an open bite and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) that developed after a severe car accident. The treatment plan utilized temporary anchorage devices (TADs) for upper molar intrusion to correct the open bite without resorting to orthognathic surgery. Over a period of 3 years, the treatment achieved a stable occlusion, normalized molar relationships, and improved esthetics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Oral Health
January 2025
Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Shandong, 266071, China.
Background: Lip behaviors can lead to maxillofacial developmental disorders such as anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, increased overjet, and a higher risk of developing a Class II malocclusion. However, lip-sucking, a behavior often underreported and overlooked, may adversely affect the periodontal health of permanent teeth in adolescents under extreme conditions if not promptly identified and managed.
Case Presentation: We report a unique case of an 11-year-old boy with a severe periodontal-endodontic lesion on tooth 32, caused by prolonged, high-frequency, and high-intensity lip sucking.
Cureus
January 2025
College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU.
This research explores the types and effectiveness of occlusal splints in managing temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). TMDs encompass a range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions affecting the jaw, causing pain, limited movement, and discomfort. Occlusal splints, also known as bite guards, are commonly used in dentistry to alleviate TMD symptoms by relaxing jaw muscles, preventing joint trauma, and protecting teeth.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Oral Facial Pain Headache
September 2024
Department of Radiology, International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, 34200 Istanbul, Turkey.
Myofascial pain is one of the common symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Occlusal splint (OS) and masticatory muscle trigger point (TP) local injections are primary treatment options. We aimed to investigate the effects of these treatments using clinical and elastography measures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHead Face Med
January 2025
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Background: Virtual surgical planning for orthognathic surgery typically relies on two methods for intraoperative plan transfer: CAD/CAM occlusal splints and patient-specific implants (PSI). While CAD/CAM splints may offer limited accuracy, particularly in the vertical dimension, PSIs are constrained by higher costs and extended preparation times. Surgical navigation has emerged as a potential alternative, but existing protocols often involve invasive registration or lack transparent evaluation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!