Electromyographic evaluation in children orthodontically treated for skeletal Class II malocclusion: Comparison of two treatment techniques

Abstract

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy of two techniques for fabricating a Bimler device by assessing the patient’s surface electromyography (sEMG) activity at rest before treatment and six months after treatment.

Methods

Twenty-four patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were enrolled in the study; 12 formed the test group and wore a Bimler device fabricated with a Myoprint impression using neuromuscular orthodontic technique and 12 formed the control group and were treated by traditional orthodontic technique with a wax bite in protrusion. The “rest” sEMG of each patient was recorded prior to treatment and six months after treatment.

Results

The neuromuscular-designed Bimler device was more comfortable and provided better treatment results than the traditional Bimler device.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the patient group subjected to neuromuscular orthodontic treatment had a treatment outcome with more relaxed masticatory muscles and better function versus the traditional orthodontic treatment.

Keywords:

• Class two skeletal
• malocclusion
• sEMG
• TENS

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the staff of the Dental clinic of the University of L’Aquila. The authors acknowledge that Fray Adib is the President of Myotronics-Noromed.