Journal of Craniomandibular Function, 01/2024

Introduction: Self-report of awake or sleep bruxism (AB/SB) has been the subject of critical scrutiny, as it is yet unclear whether it corresponds to the neurophysiological bruxism activity. Contingent electrical stimulation (CES) has been proposed as a possible treatment that reduces bruxism episodes. The aim of this cohort study was to investigate whether bruxism self-report is influenced by CES. Methods: Forty healthy adults were allocated to the intervention (N = 20) or control group (N = 20). Each participant filled out the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) and an anamnestic questionnaire including questions on bruxism behavior, at the beginning and at the end of the study. The evaluation period was divided into three GrindCare intervals (1 inactive week -2 active CES weeks/ 2 inactive weeks -2 inactive weeks). The OBC score and the amount of positive and negative bruxism answers were compared with baseline using the Wilcoxon test and the McNemar (McN) test. Results: The OBC score/categories and the self-report of AB/SB did not significantly change (p > 0.05), indicating no effects of CES in the intervention group. Conclusions: Within the scope of this study, CES could not significantly improve the self-report of bruxism or bruxism-related symptoms. However, it is recommended that the study be repeated with the study design extending the CES intervention to a longer interval and with a larger sample size. Keywords: bruxism, electrical stimulation, self-report, diagnosis, questionnaires

Purpose: To assess the effect of stabilization splint (SS) thickness on temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Materials and Methods: Participants were selected from patients who applied to the clinic with a complaint of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Symptoms were evaluated with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Regarding the treatment plan, patients were divided into two groups: the 2-mm–thick splint group (2-mm TSG) and the 4-mm–thick splint group (4-mm TSG). They used SSs at night (8 hours) and were recalled 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after splint insertion. At the end of the study, 72 patients (2-mm TSG = 39, 4-mm TSG = 33) had completed the 6-month follow-up. The SPSS program was used for statistical analysis. The results of the analysis were evaluated at a significance level of .05. Results: Pain in the muscles decreased significantly in the muscle disorders and combined groups (both 2- and 4-mm TSG) after 6 months of treatment (P < .05). In the combined group, TMJ sounds significantly decreased after 6 months of treatment, and there was a statistically significant difference between the 2-mm TSG and the 4-mm TSG (P = .045). Also, in the combined group, maximum unassisted opening (MUO) values of patients treated with 2-mm–thick splints decreased after 6 months of treatment (P = .022). Conclusion: Both 2-mm–thick and 4-mm–thick splints were effective in the treatment of muscle disorders and disc displacements, especially in muscle-related pain and TMJ sound symptoms.

Digitization has increasingly determined workflows in dental practices and laboratories for more than 30 years. Modern technology allows patients to be treated more pleasantly, for example, when making digital impressions or using digital registration techniques. In addition to digitally evaluating the patient-specific treatment, restorations and appliances such as oral splints can be designed using software and manufactured subtractively or additively. If lost or if they need to be reproduced, restorations and splints can thus be modified, re-milled, or reprinted with little effort. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the current digital procedures used as well as of materials currently available on the market to manufacture digital splints. Furthermore, the article compares splint materials. However, clinical studies still need to be undertaken before evidence-based recommendations can be made. Keywords: bruxism, craniomandibular dysfunction, 3D printing, splint therapy, subtractive manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing processes, digital workflow