Abstract
ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to analyze treatment outcome with a full-occlusion biofeedback (BFB) splint on sleep bruxism (SB) and TMD pain compared with treatment with an adjusted occlusal splint (AOS).Materials and methodsForty-one patients were randomly allocated to a test (BFB) or a control (AOS) group and monitored over a 3-month period. Output variables were frequency and duration of bruxing events (bursts) and various pain symptoms.ResultsThe BFB group showed a statistically significant reduction in the frequency and duration of bursts and a statistically significant improvement in the patients’ global well-being and the facial muscle pain parameter. After the treatment was stopped, the BFB group showed a statistically significant reduction in the average and maximum duration but no statistically significant change in the frequency of bursts.ConclusionsThe tested BFB splint is highly effective in reducing SB at the subconscious level, i.e., without waking the patient, and in achieving improvements in global pain perception. The results suggest that the BFB splint also provides a better treatment option for bruxism-related pain than an AOS. However, further research is needed, and specifically studies with a larger patient population displaying higher levels of pain at baseline.Clinical relevanceBy reducing burst duration and therefore the pathological load on the masticatory apparatus, the BFB splint reduces TMD and bruxism-related symptoms and improves patients’ physical well-being. In the long term, this could prevent damage to the TMJ. This study confirms the effectiveness and safety of this splint.The universal trial numberU1111-1239-2450DRKS-ID registrationDRKS00018092
Highlights
International bruxism experts have consensually defined bruxism as “a repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible” [1]
(3) Willingness of the patient to participate in the study and a commitment to adhere to the pre-set timetable
The results showed normal distribution for total duration per hour, bursts per hour (BPF), and average duration (AD)
Summary
International bruxism experts have consensually defined bruxism as “a repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible” [1]. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has categorized sleep bruxism as “a sleep-related movement disorder” and defines it as “a stereotyped movement disorder characterized by grinding. Several studies have demonstrated that bruxism might be a causal factor of various pain symptoms and functional limitations [3, 4] and a causal factor, or at least a risk factor, in TMD [5]. The true relationship between these conditions and bruxism remains uncertain [4]. It is generally accepted that bruxism occurs at a parafunctional level and entails significant discomfort or damage to affected patients. A significant proportion of the population is affected [6]. The search for effective treatments is an essential objective of scientific research
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