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The Saudi Dental Journal Jan 2023Occlusal splints are routinely used in dental offices to diagnose and treat abnormalities of the masticatory system. There are different occlusal splints, each of which...
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.
PubMed: 36817028
DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2022.12.013 -
Praxis Sep 2020Bruxism: Classification, Diagnostics and Treatment Bruxism, the grinding or clenching of teeth, is common in the population. Stress, anxiety syndromes and genetic...
Bruxism: Classification, Diagnostics and Treatment Bruxism, the grinding or clenching of teeth, is common in the population. Stress, anxiety syndromes and genetic disposition seem to be dominant factors that lead to increased muscle tension. A distinction is made between two circadian manifestations, sleep and wake bruxism. Bruxism is a major risk factor for tooth structure and dentures. The diagnosis is based on a targeted medical history and examination. Sleep bruxism can be demonstrated by electromyography and video recording in the sleep laboratory. The treatment aims to protect the hard tooth substance and preserve the denture using occlusal splints. Relaxation exercises can improve bruxism. Specialized physiotherapy can improve tension, pain and restricted movement. Botulinum toxin treatment reduces the subjective complaints during the period of action.
Topics: Anxiety; Electromyography; Humans; Risk Factors; Sleep; Sleep Bruxism
PubMed: 32933386
DOI: 10.1024/1661-8157/a003517 -
Lung Apr 2021Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common and underdiagnosed medical condition characterized by recurrent sleep-dependent pauses and reductions in airflow.... (Review)
Review
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common and underdiagnosed medical condition characterized by recurrent sleep-dependent pauses and reductions in airflow. While a narrow, collapsible oropharynx plays a central role in the pathophysiology of OSAS, there are other equally important nonanatomic factors including sleep-stage dependent muscle tone, arousal threshold, and loop gain that drive obstructive apneas and hypopneas. Through mechanisms of intermittent hypoxemia, arousal-related sleep fragmentation, and intrathoracic pressure changes, OSAS impacts multiple organ systems. Risk factors for OSAS include obesity, male sex, age, specific craniofacial features, and ethnicity. The prevalence of OSAS is rising due to increasing obesity rates and improved sensitivity in the tools used for diagnosis. Validated questionnaires have an important but limited role in the identification of patients that would benefit from formal testing for OSA. While an in-laboratory polysomnography remains the gold standard for diagnosis, the widespread availability and accuracy of home sleep apnea testing modalities increase access and ease of OSAS diagnosis for many patients. In adults, the most common treatment involves the application of positive airway pressure (PAP), but compliance continues to be a challenge. Alternative treatments including mandibular advancement device, hypoglossal nerve stimulator, positional therapies, and surgical options coupled with weight loss and exercise offer possibilities of an individualized personal approach to OSAS. Treatment of symptomatic patients with OSAS has been found to be beneficial with regard to sleep-related quality of life, sleepiness, and motor vehicle accidents. The benefit of treating asymptomatic OSA patients, particularly with regard to cardiovascular outcomes, is controversial and more data are needed.
Topics: Adult; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Humans; Occlusal Splints; Polysomnography; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Symptom Assessment
PubMed: 33713177
DOI: 10.1007/s00408-021-00426-w -
International Journal of Oral and... Sep 2022Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) impact a significant proportion of the population. Given the range of management strategies, contemporary care should be... (Review)
Review
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) impact a significant proportion of the population. Given the range of management strategies, contemporary care should be evidence-informed for different TMD types. A knowledge-to-action rapid review of systematic reviews published in the past 5 years and guidelines published in the past 10 years concerning the management of TMD was conducted. The Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, PEDro, and PubMed databases were searched. A qualitative data analysis was undertaken, with quality assessment completed using the AMSTAR 2 checklist. In total, 62 systematic reviews and nine guidelines considering a range of treatment modalities were included. In concordance with current guidelines, moderate evidence supports a multi-modal conservative approach towards initial management. Contrary to existing guidelines, occlusal splint therapy is not recommended due to a lack of supporting evidence. The evidence surrounding oral and topical pharmacotherapeutics for chronic TMD is low, whilst the evidence supporting injected pharmacotherapeutics is low to moderate. In concordance with current guidelines, moderate quality evidence supports the use of arthrocentesis or arthroscopy for arthrogenous TMD insufficiently managed by conservative measures, and open joint surgery for severe arthrogenous disease. Based on this, a management pathway showing escalation of treatment from conservative to invasive is proposed.
Topics: Arthrocentesis; Humans; Occlusal Splints; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
PubMed: 35339331
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2021.11.009 -
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia... Jul 2019Currently it has been shown that botulinum toxin is effective for a wide variety of medical conditions, and can be applied for therapeutic purposes as cosmetic. In...
BACKGROUND
Currently it has been shown that botulinum toxin is effective for a wide variety of medical conditions, and can be applied for therapeutic purposes as cosmetic. In recent years, there has been a growing trend in the use of this drug substance to control the muscular overactivity of bruxism. The objective of this study was the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) than traditional methods, by conducting a systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in the health sciences literature.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
An electronic search was made in the databases of the PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus data between March and October 2017, ECA, which will analyze the effect of botulinum toxin in the treatment of bruxism. We included studies of bruxist patients older than 18 years where BTX-A tests were performed on the masseter and / or temporal muscles and the control systems were injections of placebo (saline) or the use of traditional methods for the treatment of bruxism. such as occlusal splints, other medications or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
RESULTS
Of the 68 studies identified, 4 RCTs that fit our inclusion criteria were selected. These studies show that BTX-A injections can reduce the frequency of bruxism episodes, decrease pain levels and maximum occlusal force generated by this pathology, offer superior efficacy in the treatment of bruxism compared to control groups who were treated with placebo or with traditional methods for the treatment of bruxism.
CONCLUSION
Infiltrations with BTX-A are a safe and effective treatment for patients with bruxism, so its use is justified in daily clinical practice, especially in patients diagnosed with severe bruxism.
Topics: Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Bruxism; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Masseter Muscle; Neuromuscular Agents
PubMed: 31246937
DOI: 10.4317/medoral.22923 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Jun 2021This systematic review of the literature was to compare the effects of exercise therapy and occlusal splint therapy on pain and mobility in individuals with painful... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This systematic review of the literature was to compare the effects of exercise therapy and occlusal splint therapy on pain and mobility in individuals with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
METHODS
PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for English publications from database root to March 1, 2020. Search terms were [("temporomandibular joint disorders" or "temporomandibular disorders" or "craniomandibular disorders" or "orofacial pain" or "myofascial pain" or "myofascial pain" or "facial pain") AND (exercise or "physical therapy modalities" or physiotherapy or "exercise therapy") AND ("splints" or "occlusal splints" or "stabilization splint" or "occlusal appliance" or "occlusal splint therapy")]. We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of therapeutic exercise therapy and occlusal splint therapy, and were published in English. Trial quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.
RESULTS
Six studies were included (498 patients: 251 occlusal splint therapy, 247 therapeutic exercise). The results revealed that exercise therapy was not superior to occlusal splint therapy for pain reduction in patients with painful TMD (P=0.08; weighted standardized mean difference -0.29; 95% CI, -0.62 to 0.04). The effectiveness of occlusal splint therapy and exercise therapy was found to be equivalent in the maximum mouth-opening range (P=0.51; weighted standardized mean difference 0.12; 95% CI, -0.24 to 0.48), right laterotrusion (P=0.99; weighted standardized mean difference -0.00; 95% CI, -0.31 to 0.31), left laterotrusion (P=0.32; weighted standardized mean difference 0.16; 95% CI, -0.16 to 0.48), and protrusion (P=0.77; weighted standardized mean difference 0.06; 95% CI, -0.32 to 0.43) for painful TMD patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the limitations of the study, the small number of studies included in the sub-analysis for pain relief and the maximum mouth-opening range, and the small overall standardized mean difference for pain relief and mandibular movement observed, no high-quality evidence was found to distinguish the clinical effectiveness between occlusal splint therapy and exercise therapy for painful TMD patients. It appears that more randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of exercise therapy and occlusal splint therapy need to be implemented.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Occlusal Splints; Pain; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33977737
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-451 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Dec 2021Treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults is evolving, as new therapies have been explored and introduced in clinical practice, while other approaches have... (Review)
Review
Treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults is evolving, as new therapies have been explored and introduced in clinical practice, while other approaches have been refined or reconsidered. In this European Respiratory Society (ERS) guideline on non-continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapies for OSA, we present recommendations determined by a systematic review of the literature. It is an update of the 2011 ERS statement on non-CPAP therapies, advanced into a clinical guideline. A multidisciplinary group of experts, including pulmonary, surgical, dentistry and ear-nose-throat specialists, methodologists and patient representatives considered the most relevant clinical questions (for both clinicians and patients) relating to the management of OSA. Eight key clinical questions were generated and a systematic review was conducted to identify published randomised clinical trials that answered these questions. We used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach to assess the quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations. The resulting guideline addresses gastric bypass surgery, custom-made dual-block mandibular advancement devices, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, myofunctional therapy, maxillo-mandibular osteotomy, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and positional therapy. These recommendations can be used to benchmark quality of care for people with OSA across Europe and to improve outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Humans; Mandibular Advancement; Occlusal Splints; Respiratory System; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
PubMed: 34853097
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0200-2021 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2022Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of musculoskeletal diseases affecting masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). In this context, the chronic... (Review)
Review
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of musculoskeletal diseases affecting masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). In this context, the chronic TMD could be considered as a condition with chronic primary orofacial pain, presenting as myofascial TMD pain or TMJ arthralgia. In this context, myogenous TMD may present overlapping features with other disorders, such as fibromyalgia and primary headaches, characterized by chronic primary pain related to dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), probably through the central sensitization. This phenomenon could be defined as an amplified response of the CNS to sensory stimuli and peripheral nociceptive, characterized by hyperexcitability in the dorsal horn neurons in the spinal cord, which ascend through the spinothalamic tract. The main objectives of the management of TMD patients are: decreasing pain, increasing TMJ function, and reducing the reflex masticatory muscle spasm/pain. The first-line treatments are physical therapy, pharmacological drugs, occlusal splints, laser therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and oxygen-ozone therapy. Although all these therapeutic approaches were shown to have a positive impact on the central sensitization of TMD pain, there is still no agreement on this topic in the scientific literature. Thus, in this comprehensive review, we aimed at evaluating the evidence on pain management and rehabilitation for the central sensitization in TMD patients.
Topics: Humans; Pain Management; Central Nervous System Sensitization; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Facial Pain; Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Chronic Pain; Oxygen; Ozone
PubMed: 36293017
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012164 -
Journal of Dentistry May 2021Bruxism is a commonly reported oral parafunctional activity characterised by excessive tooth grinding or clenching outside normal functional activity. The present... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Bruxism is a commonly reported oral parafunctional activity characterised by excessive tooth grinding or clenching outside normal functional activity. The present systematic review aims to examine the available literature to determine the effectiveness of occlusal splints in the treatment of bruxism compared to no treatment and alternative treatment modalities.
DATA
Data extraction was undertaken in conjunction with quality of evidence assessment.
SOURCES
A literature search of the following databases was undertaken: MEDLINE via OVID, Pubmed (Medline), Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) and quasi-RCTs which met the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. These included studies comparing occlusal splints to no treatment or other interventions.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies were identified for review with fourteen meeting the inclusion criteria. Only a small number of studies were available in each comparison (one or two for some) all of which had a medium to high risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to determine whether occlusal splint therapy for the treatment of bruxism provides a benefit over no treatment, other oral appliances, TENS, behavioural or pharmacological therapy. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies in each comparison with many suffering from a high risk of bias. There is a need for further research in this area and improvement in trial quality.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT
This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness of occlusal splints in the treatment of bruxism. It found there was insufficient evidence to recommend occlusal splint therapy over no treatment or other treatment modalities. This is relevant to dental clinicians who may provide such appliances and cautions them in treatment provision.
Topics: Bruxism; Humans; Occlusal Splints; Splints
PubMed: 33652054
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103621 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Sep 2019Oral appliances are increasingly recommended for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and those who do not tolerate nor prefer continuous positive... (Review)
Review
Oral appliances are increasingly recommended for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and those who do not tolerate nor prefer continuous positive airway pressure. The most commonly used oral appliance advances the lower jaw during sleep, the so-called mandibular advancement device (MAD). Patients seek treatment because of disturbing snoring, daytime symptoms, apnoeas that disturb sleep and the longer term consequences with regard to cardiovascular risks. MADs reduce the apnoea-hypopnoea index, although to various degrees among patients. Effects on daytime sleepiness have been observed mainly among the more severe OSA patients. Blood pressure may be reduced in MAD-treated OSA patients. There is, however, uncertainty about which patients will respond to this therapy in terms of apnoea reductions, decreased sleepiness and other symptoms, and reduced risk for future impaired health. The occurrence of side-effects also remains difficult to predict at present. The majority of sleep apnoea patients suffer from various comorbidities in terms of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and depression. The most recent findings indicate that phenotyping of patients, considering various aspects of this multifaceted disease, will shed more light on the indications for MADs in patients with nightly sleep breathing disturbances. This review summarises the most recent knowledge about MAD treatment.
Topics: Comorbidity; Equipment Design; Humans; Lung; Mandibular Advancement; Occlusal Splints; Respiration; Risk Factors; Sleep; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31554705
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0083-2019