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Abstract
This study investigated the immediate effect of changing mandibular position on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter (MS), temporalis (TM), sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and trapezius (TR) muscles. Thirty-three (33) asymptomatic subjects (16 males and 17 females), ages 23 to 52 were selected. Surface EMG recordings were obtained for all muscles bilaterally with the mandible in a relaxed open position (relaxed) and during maximal voluntary clenching (fullbite) for the following: a non-repositioning appliance (NONREPOS) and repositioning appliance (REPOS). REPOS significantly reduced EMG activity of all muscles bilaterally during fullbite. During relaxation, reduction in EMG activity was only found for TR bilaterally. NONREPOS decreased the EMG activity bilaterally for TM and TR and unilaterally (left) for MS and SCM during fullbite. During relaxation, NONREPOS decreased muscle activity bilaterally for TR and SCM. A unilateral reduction was found for TM (right). These findings suggest that immediate alterations in mandibular position affect the cranio-cervical system. Both mandibular positions tested lowered the EMG activity of masticatory and cervical muscles in the relaxed and fullbite positions. The trapezius muscle was the most responsive to alterations in mandibular position.
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Notes on contributors
Caroline Ceneviz
Dr. Caroline Ceneviz is an assistant professor at the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She received her D.D.S. from Uniararas in São Paulo-Brazil in 2001. She then joined the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University where she completed her fellowship and M.S. degree in orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders.
Noshir R. Mehta
Dr. Noshir R. Mehta is professor and Chairman of General Dentistry and Director of the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University Schoolof Dental Medicine. He holds a Diplomate from the American Board of Orofacial Pain and is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists.Since receiving his D.M.D degree and his M.S. in periodontics at Tufts University, he has been involved in occlusion research. Dr. Mehta has lectured internationally on TMD/MPD and has published numerous scientific papers.
Albert Forgione
Dr. Albert Forgione is Chief Consultant of the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He received a Ph.D. in psychology from Boston University and then joined Tufts University and lectured on behavioral medicine. Dr. Forgione established the first TMJ clinic at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine with Dr. Mehta in 1978.
M.J. Sands
Ms. M.J. Sands is the biofeedback technician and pain management therapist at the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She has worked with electromyography and pain management for the past 20 years.
Emad F. Abdallah
Dr. Emad F. Abdallah is an assistant professor at the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He received his B.D.S. degree at Alexandria University in Egypt in 1992. He then joined the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University where he completed his fellowship and M.S. degree in orofacial pain. Dr. Abdallah then joined the Department of Orthodontics at Tufts University and received his certificate in orthodontics in 2000. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.
Silvia Lobo Lobo
Dr. Silvia Lobo Lobo is an assistant professor at the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She received her D.D.S. degree at Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnologia, San Jose, Costa Rica in 1999. In 2002, she completed the TMD and Orofacial Pain program at Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She received a Master in Science degree from Tufts University in 2002.
Sofia Mavroudi
Dr. Sofia Mavroudi received her D.D.S degree at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Dentistry, Greece in 2002. She then joined the Craniofacial Pain Center at Tufts University and is currently pursuing a Certificate Degree in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain.