engleski

Influence of stabilization splint on asymmetric activity of masticatory muscles

Pathophysiologic conditions in temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) can be separated into temporomandibular joint disorders and masticatory muscles disorders. Occlusal appliances, commonly referred to as interocclusal splints, are routinely used in the management of temporomandibular disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the short-term effect of full-arch maxillary stabilization splint on the asymmetry of the masticatory muscle activity in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction before and after splint therapy. In this study 6 TMD patients were investigated. Surface EMG recordins were obtained from left and right anterior temporal, masseter and digastric muscles during clenching with the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) as well as in clenching at 50 % and 25 % of the maximum activity in the position of maximal intercuspation of teeth. In order to quantify asymmetrical masticatory muscle activity, the asymmetry index (IAs) was calculated for each subject and for each muscle from the average anterior temporal masseter and digastric EMG potentials recorded during each test (100% MVC, 50% MVC and 25% MVC). Results have shown the use of splint decreased the asymmetry of all muscles since after the therapy the asymmetry indices were significantly lowered (p < 0.05). This result suggests that the use of a splint could be a method of suppressing clench-caused aggravation of temporomandibular dysfunction. After the therapy, the level of temporal muscle symmetty during submaximal clenching in the intercuspal position increased significantly. This investigation points out the major role of EMG in evaluation of treatment success rate when using stabilization occlusal splint.

stabilization splint; electromyography

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