Occlusal splint vs. modified NTI splint in bruxism therapy. Randomized, controlled trial using surface electromyography

 

Abstract

Background

An occlusal splint and a modified nociceptive trigeminal inhibition splint (AMPS, anterior deprogrammer, Kois deprogrammer, Lucia jig, etc.) are commonly and quite frequently used in the treatment of masticatory muscle disorders, although their sustainable and long-lasting effect on these muscles’ function is still not very well known. Results of scant surface electromyography studies in patients with temporomandibular disorders have been contradictory.

Objective

To evaluate both devices in bruxism therapy, EMG activity levels during postural activity and maximum voluntary contraction of the superficial temporal and masseter muscles were compared before and after 30 days of treatment.

Study Design

Surface electromyography of the examined muscles was performed in two groups of bruxers (15 patients each). The patients in the first group used occlusal splints, while those in the second used modified nociceptive trigeminal inhibition splints. The trial was randomised, controlled, and semi-blind.

Results

The use of neither device affects the asymmetry index or postural activity/maximum voluntary contraction ratio after one month of treatment.

Conclusions

Neither the occlusal nor the nociceptive trigeminal inhibition splint showed any significant influence on the examined muscles. The use of different scientific methods should be considered in clinical applications that require either direct influence on the muscles’ bioelectrical activity or a quantitative measurement of the treatment quality.

Comments