Occlusal splint for sleep bruxism: an electromyographic associated to Helkimo Index evaluation

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate long-term effects of using an occlusal splint in patients with sleep bruxism (SB), using surface electromyography (EMG) of masseter and temporalis muscles, as well as the Helkimo Index. The subjects were 15 individuals aged from 19 to 29 years, bearers of SB, with presence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which never have used occlusal splints. The subjects answered the Helkimo's Index and underwent EMG before and after 60 days of occlusal splints use. There was no indication of a significant decrease in mean EMG levels over the therapy in the muscles. A significant decrease in TMD signs and symptoms were observed in SB patients after 60 days of occlusal splints therapy.

Systematic assessment of the impact of oral appliance therapy on the temporomandibular joint during treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: long-term evaluation

“…No patient needed occlusal splint therapy in order to reduce the TMJ symptoms due to OA use [30]. Long-term usage of an OA did not cause impairment to the TMJ.…”

Incidence of sleep bruxism among children in Itanhandu, Brazil

“…When SB symptoms persist with ageing, it may have profound effects on orofacial structures [10]. In these cases, dentists should be aware of this problem and, based on a multidisciplinary approach, should establish therapeutic methods to prevent damage, which can vary from physiotherapeutic interventions [28] to occlusal appliances [36]. Up to now, there is not an effective, target to the etiology, treatment method for children presenting SB.…”

Splint Therapy in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Review

“…[30][31][32][33][34][35][36] Bununla birlikte; splintin eklemdeki yükü azaltmayacağı, bruksizmi önlemeyeceği, hastaları iyileştirmeyeceği bazı araştırmacılar tarafından ifade edilmiş; bunun yerine zayıf doku desteği olan dişleri stabilize etmede, oklüzal yük dağılımının uniform hâle getirilmesinde, diş aşınmalarının azaltıl-masında ve karşıtı olmayan dişlerin stabilizas yonunda kullanılabileceği bildirilmiştir. 21,27 Hasegawa ve ark., bir klinik çalışmada, splintlerin ağrıyı gidermede herhangi bir etkilerinin olmadığını göz-lemlemiş, kemik iliği anomalileri ve bikonveks disk anomalilerinde splint tedavisinin başarı sağlama-yacağını bildirmişlerdir.…”