The cost-effectiveness of TheraBite® as treatment for acute myogenic temporomandibular disorder

Abstract

Objective: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a very common and costly pain problem concerning the temporomandibular joint. A previous study has shown that for the treatment of acute myogenic TMD, TheraBite® (TB) offers a faster and greater effect than usual care consisting of physical therapy (PT). This study estimates the cost-effectiveness of TB compared to PT.

Methods: Differences in costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) between TB and PT are analyzed using a decision model.

Results: The point estimate for the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is −28,068 EUR (−30,191 USD) per QALY (dominant) for TB versus PT. At the willingness-to-pay ratio of 20,000 EUR (21,513 USD) per QALY, TB has a 97% probability of being cost-effective compared to PT.

Conclusion: TB is expected to be cost-effective compared to PT for the treatment of acute myogenic TMD, offering faster recovery of quality of life for patients, at a lower cost to society.

Keywords:

• Temporomandibular disorder
• cost-effectiveness
• TheraBite
• physical therapy
• quality of life
• mandibular function
• orofacial pain
• trismus