A new biofeedback approach for the control of masseter and temporal myalgia: Utilization of an awake posterior interocclusal device

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the improvement in reducing the pain of patients diagnosed with masticatory myofascial pain and bruxism when undergoing treatment with a partial posterior interocclusal device for the management and control of awake bruxism through biofeedback.

Methods: Sixty patients were evaluated during the following periods: pretreatment, 7, 30, and 90 days. The evaluation was carried out by measuring the reduction in pain using clinical and numerical scales.

Results: The majority of the patients who complained of masticatory myofascial pain, TMJ, and neck pain experienced a significant reduction in pain between t0 and t30 (p < 0.0001). After 30 days of using the device, the improvement remained at the same level, without any recurrence of pain up to t90.

Conclusion: The utilization of a posterior interocclusal device for the management and control of awake bruxism through biofeedback contributed to the reduction of pain in the majority of patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Awake bruxism
• orofacial pain
• temporomandibular disorder
• intra-oral device
• biofeedback