Electromyographic Evaluation of Anterior Temporal and Suprahyoid Muscles Using Habitual Methods to Determine Clinical Rest Position

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the anterior temporal and suprahyoid muscles using habitual methods to determine the clinical rest position. The sample included 26 healthy subjects with natural dentition, bilateral molar support, and bilateral molar Angle Class I occlusion. Bipolar surface electrodes were located on the right anterior temporal and suprahyoid muscles for EMG recordings. In each subject EMG activity was recorded while standing while performing the following jaw posture tasks: during light occlusal contact in the intercuspal position; during and after pronouncing the word Mississippi, during and after pronouncing the Spanish terms Sesenta y seis (English translation: sixty six); during and after pronouncing the word, business; during and after swallowing of saliva; and while maintaining their mandible in a relaxed posture. Anterior temporal EMG activity in the intercuspal position was significantly higher than all the other conditions. The same was observed in the suprahyoid muscles excepting after pronouncing the words Mississippi, and business. EMG activity recorded in the clinical rest position by means of phonetic methods, swallowing of saliva and maintaining the mandible in a relaxed posture did not show a significant difference. From an EMG point of view any of these methods could be used to determine clinical rest position.

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Notes on contributors

María Javiera Fresno

Dr. Maria Javiera Fresno received her D.D.S. degree in 1988 from the University of Chile and a Master of Oral Rehabilitation in 2006 from the Andrés Bello University, Chile. She is a member of the Oral Rehabilitation Department of Andrés Bello University, Chile. She is currently a staff member of the Oral Physiology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile. She devotes her professional time to work in oral rehabilitation in private practice

Rodolfo Miralles

Dr. Rodolfo Miralles received his D.D.S. degree in 1975 from the University of Chile. He is a full professor and chief of the Oral Physiology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile. Dr. Miralles is a member of the International Association for Dental Research. He is also an associate editor of the Chilean Odontology Journal.

José Valdivia

Dr. José Valdivia received his D.D.S. degree in 1981 from the University of Chile. He is Master and specialist in oral rehabilitation and osseointegrated implants. He is Full professor and chief of integral adults clinics from the Andrés Bello University, Chile. Dr. Valdivia is Director of Master in Odontology with mention on oral rehabilitation and osseointegrated implants. He is Director of the Branemark Osseointegration Chilean Center. He is an active member of the American Osseointegrated Academy Center. Dr. Valdivia is a fellow of the International College of Dentist.

Aler Fuentes

Dr. Aler Fuentes received his D.D.S. degree in 2006 from the University of Talca, Chile. He is an academic of the Faculty of Odontology, University of Chile. Dr. Fuentes is currently a staff member of the Oral Physiology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile. He devotes his professional time to work in oral rehabilitation in several private health institutions and in private practice.

Saúl Valenzuela

Dr. Saúl Valenzuela received his D.D.S. degree in 1990 from the University of Chile. He is an academic of Prosthetics Department, Faculty of Odontology, University of Chile. Dr. Valenzuela is currently a staff member of the Oral Physiology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile. He devotes his professional time to work in oral rehabilitation in several private health institutions and in private practice.

María José Ravera

Dr. María José Ravera received her D.D.S. degree in 1990 and obtained a post graduate degree in orthodontics in 1996 from the University of Chile. She is currently a staff member of the Oral Physiology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile. Dr. Ravera is dedicated to orthodontic treatment in several private health institutions and in private practice.

Hugo Santander

Dr. Hugo Santander received his D.D.S. degree in 1981 from the University of Chile. He is currently a staff member of the Oral Physiology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile. Since 1982 , Dr. Santander dedicates his time and energies to diagnosis and treatment of cranio-cervicalmandibular disorders (CCD) in several private health institutions.