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Abstract
There are limited studies about the effects of occlusal appliance (OA) after three months of use. This study aimed to compare myofascial pain (MP) according to RDC/TMD, craniocervical relationships (CR) and masseter and temporalis bilateral electromyographic (EMG) activity, before and after three months of occlusal appliance use. Nineteen patients participated in this study. Cephalometric and RDC/TMD diagnostics were performed previously (baseline) and at the end of the study period (three months). EMG recordings at clinical mandibular rest position (MRP), during swallowing of saliva (SW) and during maximum voluntary clenching (MVC) were performed as follows: after one hour of use of an OA; after three months of using the OA for a minimum of 16 hours each day; and immediately after removal from the mouth. MP was relieved in all patients at the end of the study period. CR did not change significantly between baseline and after removal of the OA at the end of the study period. EMG activity during MRP, SW, and MVC decreased in both muscles after one hour using the OA and maintained the same level for the three-month period. When comparing baseline versus final EMG activity without OA, a significant decrease was only observed in the masseter muscle. The results observed in the present study are relevant to clinicians because they imply that the therapeutic effect of OA does not significantly affect the homeostasis of the craniocervical system.
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Notes on contributors
Pablo Villalón
Dr. Pablo Villalón received his D.D.S. degree in 2004 from the University of Chile and a Masters of Oral Rehabilitation in 2009 from the Andrés Bello University, Chile. He is a member of the Oral Rehabilitation Department of Andrés Bello University. Dr. Villalón devotes his professional time to work in oral rehabilitation and temporomandibular disorders in several private health institutions and in private practice.
Juan Francisco Arzola
Dr. Juan Francisco Arzola received his D.D.S. degree in 2005 from the University of Chile and a Masters of Oral Rehabilitation in 2009 from the Andrés Bello University, Chile. He is a member of the Oral Rehabilitation Department of Andrés Bello University and devotes his professional time to work in oral rehabilitation in several private health institutions and in private practice.
José Valdivia
Dr. José Valdivia received his D.D.S. degree in 1981 from the University of Chile. He specializes in oral rehabilitation and osseointegrated implants. Dr. Valdivia is a full professor and chief of the integrated adult clinic at Andrés Bello University. He is director of the masters program in odontology, including oral rehabilitation and osseointegrated implants. He is also director of the Branemark Osseointegration Chilean Center, an active member of the American Osseointegrated Academy Center, as well as a fellow of the International College of Dentists.
María Javiera Fresno
Dr. Maria Javiera Fresno received her D.D.S. degree in 1988 from the University of Chile and a Masters of Oral Rehabilitation in 2006 from the Andrés Bello University, Chile. She is a member of the Oral Rehabilitation Department of Andrés Bello University and an assistant professor in the Prosthetics Department, Faculty of Odontology, University of Chile. Currently, Dr. Fresno is 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.
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 has dedicated his time and energies to the diagnosis and treatment of cranio-cervicalmandibular disorders (CCD) in several private health institutions.
Mario Felipe Gutiérrez
Dr. Mario F. Gutiérrez received his D.D.S. degree in 2007 from the University of Chile. He is an ad-honorem academic of the Restorative Department and of the Oral Physiology Course of the Faculty of Odontology, University of Chile. Dr. Gutiérrez 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.
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. Since 1982, Dr. Miralles is a member of the International Association for Dental Research. He is also associate editor of the Chilean Odontology Journal.