Masticatory muscle disorders and treatment from the perspective of prosthodontics

Abstract

Masticatory muscle disorders (MMD) is the biggest subtype of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Among them, local fibromyalgia and myofascial pain are localized lesions, manifested as masticatory muscle pain, which can be aggravated with jaw function. MMD is caused by a combination of multiple factors. Occlusal disharmony such as occlusal trauma, occlusal interference, and decreased vertical dimension of occlusion have the potential risk of inducing or aggravating the MMD. During prosthodontic treatment, iatrogenic occlusal interference should be avoided. Most patients with MMD can be relieved by comprehensive treatment, and occlusal therapy or prosthodontic treatment is used as an auxiliary means of diagnosis and treatment. By means of occlusal splint, occlusal adjustment and denture restoration, the goal of relieving masticatory muscle tension, stabilizing occlusal support, eliminating occlusal interference and adjusting jaw position can be achieved, so as to eliminate some risk factors of MMD and relief the pain faster.