Clinical outcomes of patients with unilateral internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint following arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy.

BACKGROUND: The management of internal derangement (ID) of the TMJ is challenging because of multiple etiologic factors and varying degrees of severity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with unilateral ID treated with arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy during a 6-month period. METHODS: A total of 105 patients (87 females, 18 males) with unilateral ID were included in this study. Patients were divided into unilateral anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and unilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR). Patients with ADDwoR were subdivided according to the erosive bone changes. Objective parameters on mandibular movement and subjective parameters on pain were obtained and assessed. Their clinical outcomes before and after arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy were compared with the chi-square, Fisher's exact test, paired t-test, or Wilcoxon singed-rank test. RESULTS: All objective parameters of unilateral ID patients significantly increased at the 6-month follow-up. The differences in mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were statistically significant in all subjective variables (p < 0.01). In joints with ADDwoR, preoperative maximal mouth opening, and maximal protrusive movement in both groups, with erosive and non-erosive changes were significantly increased after 6 months (p < 0.01). However, right and left maximal lateral movement increased after treatment in both groups but without significant differences. All VAS pain scores on jaw movement and palpation of associated muscles showed a significant decrease regardless of erosive changes. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of arthrocentesis and subsequent stabilization splint therapy was shown to be highly effective in pain reduction and improvement of mandibular movements in both unilateral ADDwR and ADDwoR, as well as in cases with both erosive and non-erosive bony changes associated with unilateral ADDwoR.

Effectiveness of Ultrasound Therapy, TheraBite Device, Masticatory Muscle Exercises, and Stabilization Splint for the Treatment of Masticatory Myofascial Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a particular type of temporomandibular joint disorder. Research findings comparing various treatment approaches are scarce and controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy, stabilization splint, TheraBite device, and masticatory muscle exercises in reducing pain intensity and improving mandibular mobility in patients with MPS. METHODS: It was a single-blind, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled trial that took place between April 2023 and October 2023 at the Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Damascus University. Patients older than 18 years old with myofascial pain accompanied by limited jaw opening and pain lasting for at least 6 months were included. Eighty patients were randomly assigned into four groups using online randomization software: ultrasound therapy, stabilization splint, TheraBite device, and masticatory muscle exercises. Only outcome assessors were masked to treatment allocation. The exercise regimen was the exercise program for patients with TMD. The following primary outcome measures were considered at the baseline (t0), at the first (t1), second (t2), and fourth (t3) week of treatment, and at the second (t4) and fifth (t5) month of follow-up: pain intensity using the visual analogue scale, maximum interincisal opening, right lateral movement, and left lateral movement measured in millimeters. RESULTS: The pain level changed from severe to mild at t3 in ultrasound therapy, stabilization splint, and TheraBite device groups. In the masticatory muscle exercises group, it changed to moderate, with a significant difference between ultrasound therapy (p = 0.012) and stabilization splint (p = 0.013) groups. In addition, the mandibular mobility continued to improve at the subsequent follow-up periods (t4 and t5). CONCLUSIONS: All therapies are equally effective after 5-month follow-up. However, ultrasound therapy and stabilization splints have the benefit of achieving rapid improvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN20833186.

Skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes after stabilization splint treatment for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a grouping of heterogeneous disorders with multifactorial origins. Stabilization splints (SS) have demonstrated an acceptable treatment effect in TMD. The possible changes at the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue levels need to be addressed to evaluate the benefit/risk ratio of this therapeutic procedure. Accordingly, this study aimed to three­dimensionally evaluate skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes after SS treatment for patients with TMD. METHODS: This retrospective study included 74 adult patients with myofascial and/or intra-articular disorders (25 males and 49 females), with an average age of 22.88 ± 4.8 years, who underwent SS treatment. Pre- and post-treatment Cone beam computed tomography were analysed using Invivo 6.0.3 software. The primary outcome was the vertical skeletal and dentoalveolar changes, while the secondary outcomes were the anteroposterior skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: For the primary outcome; skeletally, there was a significant increase in mandibular plane inclination (difference: 0.82°±1.37), decrease facial height ratio (difference: 0.45%±1.07) and at the dentoalveolar level, the inclination of the functional (FOP-SN, FOP-FH) and bisecting (BOP-SN, BOP-FH) occlusal planes exhibited a significant increase too (difference: 0.38 ± 1.43°, 0.49 ± 1.62°, 0.44 ± 1.29° and 0.41 ± 1.17°, respectively) and also a decrease in the overbite (difference: -0.54 ± 0.83). For the secondary outcomes; there was a significant decrease in mandibular position (SNB) (difference: 1.60 ± 1.36°) and increase in the overjet (difference: 0.93 ± 1.04, p < 0.001) and a significant lower lip retrusion (difference: 0.33 ± 1.01 mm p < 0.01), was observed too. CONCLUSIONS: SS therapy resulted in significant vertical skeletal and dentoalveolar changes that were manifested mainly by facial height ratio, mandibular and occlusal plane changes, and to a lesser extent, significant anteroposterior skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue changes in the form of mandibular position, increased overjet and a more retrusive lower lip. These changes should be considered during patients' selection prior to initiating SS therapy.

OCCLUSAL APPLIANCES MIGHT BE CLINICALLY EFFICIENT IN TREATING SLEEP BRUXISM.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Minakuchi H, Fujisawa M, Abe Y, Iida T, Oki K, Okura K, Tanabe N, Nishiyama A. Managements of sleep bruxism in adult: A systematic review. Jpn Dent Sci Rev. 2022; 58:124-36. SOURCE OF FUNDING: None was reported. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review.

Comparison of the radiological and functional results of a plaster splint and dynamic stabilization splint for Boxer's fractures: A prospective randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: This study compared the clinical and radiological results of fifth metacarpal neck fractures treated with a short-arm plaster splint (SAPS) versus a dynamic metacarpal stabilization splint (DMSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 119 patients were referred to our institute between 2018 and 2019 and treated with SAPS or DMSS after appropriate initial closed reduction. Follow-up examinations were conducted at days 10 and 20, and at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment. Alignment of the fracture, range of motion (ROM), and complications were evaluated during each visit. Grip strength was evaluated using a dynamometer. Self-care, usual daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were evaluated using the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) and a VAS. RESULTS: Of the 119 patients, 103 completed all follow up examinations. In total, 51 patients were treated with SAPS and 52 with DMSS. Skin lesions were detected in five patients in the DMSS group, but none in the SAPS group (p = 0.008). The grip strength of patients in the DMSS group was statistically better at the 1-, 2-month and 3-month follow-up visits (p < 0.001). ROM of the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints were statistically better in the DMSS group at the 1-month visit (p < 0.001) but similar at the 3-month visit (p = 0.27). Wrist ROM was statistically higher in the DMSS group at the 3-month visit (p < 0.05). Self-care, usual daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were statistically better in the DMSS group at all follow-up visits (p < 0.05), as determined by the EQ-5D-5L. CONCLUSION: Dynamic stabilization of a stable boxer's fracture with DMSS is as effective as static stabilization with SAPS for maintaining the reduction and ensuring union. However, DMSS provides better early ROM, comfort, and muscle strength, as well as an earlier return to usual daily activities despite the occasional skin lesions happened.

Efficacy of Occlusal Splints and Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Mandibular Range of Motion in Subjects with Temporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement with Reduction.

Aims and Objectives: The study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of four conservative therapeutic modalities on the mandibular range of motion (MRM) in subjects with anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Materials and Methods: One hundred patients (64 women and 36 men) were selected, and randomly distributed into four groups. Group I: Subjects receiving behavioral therapy (BT). Group II: Subjects receiving low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Group III: Subjects receiving maxillary anterior repositioning splint (MARS). Group IV: Subjects receiving stabilization splint (SS). The MRM was evaluated for each patient before treatment and after 6 months. Paired t test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used for statistical analysis followed by a post hoc Tukey test (P ≤ 0.05). Results: All groups showed significant improvement in MRM after 6 months of treatment (P ≤ 0.05) except for BT. There was a significant improvement for SS and MARS on the different movements of MRM, more than for LLLT and BT (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The MARS and the SS are effective in increasing the MRM for patients with ADDwR.

Influence of Soft Stabilization Splint on Electromyographic Patterns in Masticatory and Neck Muscles in Healthy Women.

This study investigates the influence of soft stabilization splints on electromyographic patterns in masticatory and neck muscles in healthy women. A total of 70 healthy women were qualified for the research. The resting and clenching electromyographic patterns of the temporalis (TA), masseter (MM), digastric (DA), and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles were measured using the BioEMG III™ apparatus. The interaction between splint application and resting muscle activity affected the results in all examined muscles except the temporalis muscle. A large effect size was observed in masseter (2.19 µV vs. 5.18 µV; p = 0.00; ES = 1.00) and digastric (1.89 µV vs. 3.17 µV; p = 0.00; ES = 1.00) both-sided RMS activity. Significant differences between the two conditions were observed in all Functional Clenching Indices (FCI) for MM, SDM, and DA muscles. All FCI values for the MM and DA muscles were significantly lower with than without the splint. We observed an increase in all activity indices due to splint application, which suggests a masseter muscle advantage during measurement. The soft stabilization splint influenced resting and functional activity in the MM, SDM, and DA muscles. During tooth clenching, a soft stabilization splint changed the involvement proportions of the temporalis and masseter muscles, transferring the main activity to the masseter muscles. Using a soft stabilization splint did not affect the symmetry of the electromyographic activity of the masticatory and neck muscles.

Occlusal splints-types and effectiveness in temporomandibular disorder management.

Background: Occlusal splints are routinely used in dental offices to diagnose and treat abnormalities of the masticatory system. There are different occlusal splints, each of which can address various conditions. They may treat individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and bruxism or be used for occlusal stabilization and dentition wear reduction. Methods: The literature in the National Library of Medicine's Medline Database was reviewed using the Mesh terms 'occlusal splints' AND 'Temporomandibular Disorders. Conclusion: Occlusal splints can treat a wide variety of TMDs. They can treat bruxism, headaches, postural imbalances related to TMDs, and decreased vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). However, there is no clear evidence that occlusal splints are superior to physiotherapy in treating TMDs. In the long-term follow-up, they were equally effective as other therapies.

Three dimensional evaluation of the skeletal and temporomandibular joint changes following stabilization splint therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders and mandibular deviation: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) detailed evaluations of the mandibular mediolateral position, mandibular condylar position, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) spaces following stabilization splints (SS) therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and mandibular deviation (MD) have not been reported in the available literature. Accordingly, this study aimed to three-dimensionally analyze the skeletal and bony temporomandibular joint changes following stabilization splint therapy in adult patients with temporomandibular joint disorders and mandibular deviation. METHODS: This study is a retrospective clinical study that enrolled 26 adult patients with TMD and MD with a mean age of 24.86 years. The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) was used to diagnose TMD. SS was adjusted weekly until occlusal contact stabilization occurred, and then adjusted monthly, patients were instructed to wear it at night for at least 10 h. The SS was removed after the elimination of TMD symptoms (TMJ/muscle pain on palpation, muscle spasm, and clicking) and having both condyles completely seated in a musculoskeletally stable position. Pre- and post-therapeutic Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was analyzed. Mandibular mediolateral position, TMJ spaces, and mandibular condyle position were analyzed three-dimensionally using Mimics 21.0 software. Paired t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test was performed, and the significance level was considered at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The treatment period with SS therapy was 10.07 ± 3.1 months. The deviated chin was improved in 69.23% of the sample; the range of improvement was > 0 mm ≤ 3.9 mm. The mandibular rotation was significantly decreased from 3.58 ± 2.02° to 3.17 ± 1.60. The deviated side's superior and posterior joint TMJ spaces were significantly increased from 2.49 ± 0.88 mm and 1.25 ± 0.79 mm to 2.98 ± 1.02 mm and 1.86 ± 0.72 mm, respectively. The value of the difference from the bilateral condyle head position to the X and Z axes significantly decreased from 2.50 ± 1.56 mm and 2.30 ± 1.57 mm to 1.64 ± 1.58 mm and 1.82 ± 1.11 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The main positional effect of the stabilization splint treatment in TMD patients with MD includes considerable correction of mandibular deviation, improving facial asymmetry, and moving the condyle into a stable condylar position; these were done by promoting the mandible to rotate around the Z (roll) and Y (yaw) axes and by forward, downward, and outward condylar movement on the deviated side, respectively.

Efficacy of Arthrocentesis and Stabilization Splints in Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement Disorder Without Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Temporomandibular joint disc displacement disorders are a group of temporomandibular disorders beside from other inflammatory disorders and growth related disorders of joint. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of arthrocentesis procedure in comparison with stabilization splints used for disc displacement disorders without reduction. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was done in electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central, Web of Science). In addition to this hand search of references and grey literatures was done. Qualities of randomized controlled clinical trials were assessed by Cochrane's tool for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was followed to assess the prospective and retrospective studies. Outcome variables pain (VAS) and maximum mouth opening were assessed by the software review manager 5.03. Results: A total of five studies were included in the review. Three studies showed greater improvement of symptoms in patients of arthrocentesis group in terms of maximum mouth opening, pain (VAS) value. Two other studies found no significant advantage of arthrocentesis over the other treatment protocol. The meta-analysis resulted in statistically significant difference between outcome variables favouring arthrocentesis group (VAS 1-10) (Mean Difference: 3.10; 95% CI 1.74, 4.45; P ≤ .00001, Mean difference: 2.00; 95% CI 0.29, 3.71; P = 0.02). Conclusion: Arthrocentesis showed effective result in terms of increase in mouth opening and reduction of pain level compared to stabilization splint and other non-invasive approaches in patients with disc displacement disorders without reduction. Overall, results supported the rationale of using arthrocentesis in patients with disc displacement disorders without reduction.

Disc-condyle relationship alterations following stabilization splint therapy or arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid injection in patients with anterior disc displacement: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of stabilization splint (SS) therapy or arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid (HA) injection in the treatment of anterior disc displacement (ADD) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: 99 subjects were collected in this study. 46 subjects received SS treatment (SS group), 53 subjects received arthrocentesis plus HA injection (HA group). Joints with anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR) were compared separately. MRI before the beginning of the treatment and after a set of treatment were used for measurement. Disc-condyle relationship and positions of condyles and discs were determined by disc-condyle angles and X-Y coordinates. RESULTS: The disc-condyle angles decreased significantly in the SS group (P < .0001). Whereas no significant change was found in the HA group. Substantial anteroinferior condyle movement was detected in the SS group, slight anterior movement of condyles was discovered in the HA group. Anterior shift of discs position was observed in HA group and joints with ADDwoR in the SS group. CONCLUSIONS: SS was effective in improving the disc-condyle relationship in ADD subjects, while significant improvement of disc-condyle relationship cannot be achieved through arthrocentesis plus HA injection.

Quality of life assessment in patients with temporomandibular disorder with stabilization splints and home therapeutic exercises: a randomized clinical trial / Avaliação da qualidade de vida em pacientes com desordem temporomandibular com uso da placa estabilizadora e exercícios terapêuticos caseiros: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life in TMD patients with the use of Stabilization Splints (SSs) and Home Therapeutic Exercises (HTEs) guidance. Material and Methods: The study was a clinical, randomized, controlled, prospective, and interventional trial. The screening included dentate patients of both genders, diagnosed with TMD through the RDC/TMD questionnaire with no TMJ osteoarthritis and/or osteoarthrosis. To assess the quality of life, the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was applied to all patients (n=70), randomized into a test group with SS and a control group with HTE. The evaluations of both questionnaires were performed before and after the intervention of 12 weeks. Results: The comparisons between pre- and post-intervention intragroups were performed by the non-parametric Wilcoxon test with a 5% significance level. There was a frequency distribution of the responses to the 36 items of the SF-36 questionnaire and comparisons between times. In the test group, 49 patients received a SS and did HTEs. In the control group, 21 patients performed HTEs. In the statistical analysis, among the eight domains, three were identified with significant scores: pain, mental health, and vitality. Conclusion: It was found that there was an improvement in pain and quality of life after the treatment of TMD with a SS and HTE (AU)

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de vida em pacientes com DTM com o uso de placas de estabilização (SSs) e orientação de exercícios terapêuticos domiciliares (HTEs). Material e Métodos: O estudo foi um ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado, prospectivo e intervencionista. A triagem incluiu pacientes dentados de ambos os sexos, diagnosticados com DTM através do questionário RDC/TMD sem osteoartrite e/ou osteoartrose da ATM. Para avaliar a qualidade de vida, o questionário Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) foi aplicado a todos os pacientes (n=70), randomizados em grupo teste com SS e grupo controle com HTE. As avaliações de ambos os questionários foram realizadas antes e após a intervenção de 12 semanas. Resultados:As comparações intragrupos pré e pós-intervenção foram realizadas pelo teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon com nível de significância de 5%. Houve distribuição de frequência das respostas aos 36 itens do questionário SF-36 e comparações entre os tempos. No grupo controle, 21 pacientes realizaram HTEs. Na análise estatística, dentre os oito domínios, três foram identificados com escores significativos: dor, saúde mental e vitalidade. Conclusão: Verificou-se que houve melhora da dor e da qualidade de vida após o tratamento da DTM com SS e HTE.(AU)

Assessment of Morphologic Change of Mandibular Condyle in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Patients with Stabilization Splint Therapy: A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional bony changes of the mandibular condyle in temporomandibular joints-osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) patients treated with stabilization splint (SS) therapy using shape correspondence analysis. (2) Methods: A total of 27 adult patients (2 men and 25 women) with a mean age of 24.6 ± 3.9 years were included in this study. All patients were diagnosed with TMJ-OA and were treated with an SS. Cone-beam computed tomography data of the condylar head before and after SS therapy from 42 condyles (15 bilateral and 12 unilateral TMJ-OA) were used for the analysis. For the performance shape correspondence analysis (SPHARM-PDM), statistical differences were performed using the one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe post hoc tests. (3) Results: After SS treatment in TMJ-OA patients, bone resorption of the condyle head surface was predominant in the anterosuperior, superolateral, and superior areas, and bone formation was superior in the lateral, medial, posterosuperior, and posteromedial areas. The change in the condylar volume between the two groups was not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: After SS treatment in TMJ-OA patients, there was both bone resorption and bone formation on the mandibular condyle head surface, which induced morphological changes in the condyle head.

Evaluation of the effect of T-Scan™ as an adjunct to stabilization splint in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the stabilization splint (SS) combined with the T-Scan™ III system in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) with myofascial pain. METHODS: Forty-eight enrolled patients were randomly assigned to the SS group or T-Scan™-guided SS group. Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), Maximum Comfortable Opening (MCO), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used as the outcome variables. RESULTS: The occlusal contacts of patients in the SS plus T-Scan™ group showed lower Occlusal Time (OT), Disocclusion Time (DT), and Asymmetry Index of Occlusal Force (AOF) after occlusal adjustment under the guidance of the T-Scan™. Importantly, the TMD symptoms were alleviated more obviously in SS plus T-Scan™ group, with better scores for MCO and MFIQ. CONCLUSION: T-Scan™-guided occlusal adjustment of SS can obtain better OT, DT, and AOF, which furthers improvement of the therapeutic effects on TMD with myofascial pain.

Comparison of the effectiveness of soft and hard splints in the symptomatic management of temporomandibular joint disorders: A randomized control study.

AIM: Splint therapy is a well-established modality in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). We aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of hard and soft splints in the symptomatic management of TMDs using the modified Helkimo index. METHODS: This study included 91 patients diagnosed with TMDs. Participants were randomly allocated into two treatment groups. All these patients were treated by hard or soft stabilization splint therapy. Group 1: hard splint group, n = 42 (mean age - 31.62 ± 8.5 years), 10 males and 32 females; group 2: soft splint group, n = 49 (mean age - 32.86 ± 9.06 years), 13 males and 36 females. The anamnestic and clinical dysfunction component of the modified Helkimo index was used to evaluate the outcomes at baseline (T0 ), first month (T1 ), and third month (T2 ). RESULTS: Symptoms such as clicking of the joints, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and muscle pain showed improvement in both groups (P < .05). Restriction and deviation of mouth opening did not show significant improvement in either group. The patients who underwent hard splint therapy showed an early improvement of symptoms at T1 (P < .05). However, there was no statistical difference in the improvement of symptoms between hard and soft splints at T2 . CONCLUSION: Both hard and soft stabilization splints were effective in the symptomatic management of TMDs. However, hard splints provide an earlier reduction of symptoms.

Effects of Different Stabilization Splint Thicknesses on Stress Distribution in Temporomandibular Joint for Patients with Anterior Disc Displacement with Reduction / 医用生物力学

Objective To compare the stress distributions in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) after wearing stabilization splints with two different thicknesses during prolonged clenching by using three-dimensional (3D) finite element methods. Methods The 3D TMJ finite element models were constructed based on CT and MRI image data when the patient was biting in maximum intercuspation (working condition 1), on 3 mm thickness splint (working condition 2) and on 5 mm thickness splint (working condition 3), respectively. The von Mises stresses in the articular cartilages ,the TMJ disc and bilaminar zone under 3 working conditions were evaluated after the maximum jaw-closing forces were applied to the mandible for 60 s. Results The von Mises stress of left TMJ was bigger than that of right TMJ under each working condition. After wearing the 3 mm thickness splint, the disc was not recaptured, the stress was concentrated at the posterior band and bilaminar zone of the disc, and the stress on bilateral TMJ was significantly increased. After wearing the 5 mm thickness splint, the right disc was recaptured, the maximum stress was located at intermediate zone of the disc, and the von Mises stresses of articular cartilages and bilaminar zone were decreased by about 40%. However, the left disc was not recaptured, and the von Mises stresses of glenoid fossa cartilage and bilaminar zone were only slightly decreased by about 6%. Conclusions Different thicknesses of occlusal splints lead to different stresses and stress distribution patterns in TMJ of patients with ADDwR. The 5 mm thickness stabilization splint can reduce the stress of glenoid fossa cartilage and bilaminar zone in ADDwR patients. Disc recapture is helpful for ADDwR patients to relieve TMJ stress. When using stabilization splints for the treatment of ADDwR patients, on the premise of comfort wearing, a thicker splint can achieve more favorable stress distributions.

Comparative evaluation of occlusal splint therapy and muscle energy technique in the management of temporomandibular disorders: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Contradicting evidence regarding the effects of occlusal splint therapy in the management of Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and promising results shown by muscle energy technique. Aim: To determine and compare the effects of occlusal splint therapy, muscle energy technique, and combined treatment with education for self-management and counseling in the management of TMD. Study Design and Settings: Randomized clinical trial. Methodology: A total of 160 participants diagnosed with TMD according to Diagnostic Criteria/TMD axis I were randomly allocated into four treatment groups with equal allocation ratio using random numbers table. The main inclusion criteria were the presence of pain in the preauricular area, TMJ and/or muscles of mastication and maximum mouth opening <40 mm. Group A participants received muscle energy technique, Group B participants received occlusal splint therapy, Group C participants received combined treatment, and Group D participants received education for self-management and counseling (control). Control group treatment was provided to all the trial participants. Statistical Analysis: Intragroup comparison was made using Friedman test and Wilcoxon test while intergroup comparison was done using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Intensity of pain on a visual analog scale and maximum mouth opening were measured at baseline, at 1 week, at 2 weeks, at 1 month, and after 3 months. Conclusion: Muscle energy technique, occlusal splint therapy and combined treatment significantly reduce pain compared to controls and muscle energy and combined treatment are superior to other groups for mouth opening improvements in patients with TMD.

Long-term adherence to oral stabilization splints: does pain matter?

OBJECTIVE: Occlusal stabilization splints (OSSs) are first-line therapy for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and sleep-related-bruxism (SRB). The main goal of this study was to quantify adherence rates to OSS therapy in TMD patients and among non-painful conditions such as clenching and bruxism. It was hypothesized that adherence rates would be similar to those for other chronic conditions. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Medical records of 99 patients seen in the Orofacial Pain Clinic between 2006 and 2014 were reviewed. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were interviewed over the telephone regarding OSS adherence. RESULTS: Of the 99 patients interviewed, 80 had chronic orofacial pain related to TMD and 19 received OSS due to (non-painful) SRB. Patients were divided according to usage; the USER group (58 patients, 58.6%) used their OSS for more than 1 year; the NUSE group was the remaining 41 (41.4%) patients who used their device for less than 1 year. Of the patients with pain as the reason for OSS use, 50 (62.5%) were in the USER group and 30 (37.5%) were in the NUSE group. The most common diagnosis was masticatory muscle disorders (MMD) with a 71.4% adherence rate, representing 60.3% of the USER group, which was significantly higher than those with SRB and other facial pain (P = .039). The most common reasons for non-adherence were sleep difficulties with OSS (31.6%) and resolution of the problem (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients reporting mild to major pain reduction had higher adherence rates than those with complete pain relief or none at all. Patients with MMD exhibited higher adherence rates than those with other facial pain types and SRB.

Reduction of headache intensity and frequency with maxillary stabilization splint therapy in patients with temporomandibular disorders-headache comorbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the effectiveness of maxillary stabilization splint (SS) therapy to reduce headache (HA) intensity and HA frequency in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)-HA comorbidity. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using full-arch coverage, hard resin, and maxillary SS therapy were included. Electronic databases, including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE through PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE, were searched. The risk of bias was analyzed based on Cochrane's handbook. The search yielded 247 references up to January 28, 2020. Nine RCTs were included at a high risk of bias. The comparison groups included other splints, counseling, jaw exercises, medications, neurologic treatment, and occlusal equilibration. Four studies reported a statistically significant reduction in HA intensity, and five studies reported significant improvement in HA frequency from baseline at 2-12 months in patients with TMD-HA comorbidity treated with a full-arch hard maxillary SS. HA frequency in tension-type HA (TTH) comorbid with TMD diagnoses of myofascial pain (MFP) or capsulitis/synovitis improved significantly with SS than that with full-arch maxillary non-occluding splint (NOS) in two studies. Comparison groups receiving hard partial-arch maxillary splint nociceptive trigeminal inhibition (NTI) showed statistically significant improvements in HA intensity in patients with mixed TMD phenotypes of MFP and disc displacement comorbid with "general HA." Comparison groups receiving partial-arch maxillary resilient/soft splint (Relax) showed significant improvements in both HA intensity and frequency in patients with HA concomitant with MFP. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the improvement of pain intensity at 2-3 months with comparison of the splints (partial-arch soft [Relax], hard [NTI], and full-arch NOS) or splint use compliance at 6-12 months with comparison of the splints (partial-arch Relax and full-arch NOS) versus the SS groups in patients with various TMD-HA comorbidities. In conclusion, although SS therapy showed a statistically significant decrease in HA intensity and HA frequency when reported, the evidence quality was low due to the high bias risk and small sample size. Therefore, further studies are required.

Effect of the use of stabilization splint on masticatory muscle activities in TMD patients with centric relation-maximum intercuspation discrepancy and absence of anterior/lateral guidance.

Objective: To assess the masticatory muscle activities in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) with centric relation (CR)-maximum intercuspation (MI) discrepancy and absence of anterior/lateral guidance by electromyography (EMG).Methods: Forty-six patients with TMD and 34 controls underwent clinical evaluations and EMG recordings at baseline. Twenty-three patients and 17 controls wore a stabilization splint. The remaining subjects were followed up without any intervention. After 3 months, the EMG recordings and clinical evaluations were repeated.Results: At baseline, the EMG values at rest and EMG value variations after movements in patients were higher than those in controls. After treatment, no difference was observed between EMG values of patients and controls.Conclusion: In the present study, patients with TMD had abnormal muscular activities. The stabilization splint is effective for functional recovery of the masticatory muscles, possibly by eliminating the CR-MI discrepancy and establishing anterior/lateral guidance.