A new biofeedback approach for the control of masseter and temporal myalgia: Utilization of an awake posterior interocclusal device

Comparative analysis of different types of occlusal splints for the management of sleep bruxism: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Sleep bruxism is a prevalent condition in dentistry practice, characterized by involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep. Several therapies, including occlusal splints, have been used to manage sleep bruxism and temporomandibular disorders, including occlusal splints. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different occlusal splints in managing sleep bruxism.

METHODS

The PICO framework encompasses the characterization of the population, intervention, comparison, and pertinent outcomes. A comprehensive and systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify grey literature. The search specifically targeted scientific studies published before September 20, 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool assessed the accuracy of the included Randomized Control Trials (RCTs). The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessed non-randomized studies. Data were systematically extracted, synthesized, and reported thematically.

RESULTS

Out of the total of 808 articles that were evaluated, only 15 articles were found to meet the specified inclusion criteria. Adjustable splints, such as full-occlusion biofeedback splints, were more effective in reducing sleep bruxism episodes, improving patient-reported symptoms, and enhancing overall well-being. The impact of different occlusal sprints on electromyographic activity varies, and potential adverse effects should be considered individually.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of occlusal splints in managing sleep bruxism. The results of this study indicate that occlusal splint therapy is a viable treatment approach for sleep bruxism.

Wearables for personalized monitoring of masticatory muscle activity - opportunities, challenges, and the future

Wearable devices are worn on or remain in close proximity of the human body. The use of wearable devices specific to the orofacial region is steadily increasing. Orofacial applications of wearable devices include supplementing diagnosis, tracking treatment progress, monitoring patient compliance, and understanding oral parafunctional behaviours. In this short communication, the role of wearable devices in advancing personalized dental medicine are highlighted with a specific focus on masticatory muscle activity monitoring in naturalistic settings. Additionally, challenges, opportunities, as well as future research areas for successful use of wearable devices for precise, personalized care of muscle disorders are discussed.

Managements of sleep bruxism in adult: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to update the management of sleep bruxism (SB) in adults, as diagnosed using polysomnography (PSG) and/or electromyography (EMG). Management methods covered were oral appliance therapy (OAT) with stabilization splints, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback therapy (BFT), and pharmacological therapy. A comprehensive search was conducted on MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to October 1st, 2021. Reference list searches and hand searches were also performed by an external organization. Two reviewers for each therapy independently performed article selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The reviewers resolved any disagreements concerning the assortment of the articles by discussion. Finally, 11, 3, 14, and 22 articles were selected for each therapy. The results suggested that OAT tended to reduce the number of SB events, although there was no significant difference compared to other types of splints, that the potential benefits of CBT were not well supported, and that BFT, rabeprazole, clonazepam, clonidine, and botulinum toxin type A injection showed significant reductions in specific SB parameters, although several side effects were reported. It can be concluded that more methodologically rigorous randomized large-sample long-term follow-up clinical trials are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of management for SB.