[Contributions of medical hypnosis to orthodontic treatment]

Hypnosis is making a comeback in all of the medical disciplines. But in a world where everyone wants to control everything and manage everything, it's helpful to know that hypnosis is a dynamic process that cannot be forced on anyone, a psychic reality, clearly demonstrated today by brain imaging. Hypnosis does not take any power over the individual. It is just one more tool to help ease patient's discomfort. It is also useful to avoid professional burnout to provide care without depleting our energy and without wasting our valuable time. Medical hypnosis is a real asset for providing comfortable orthodontic treatment and creating a serene atmosphere. It can be done simply and rapidly to take high quality impressions, to place braces comfortably on a patient who is sitting quietly. Orthodontic treatment requires cooperation and motivation, so let's give our patients a new sense of confidence and a willingness to cooperate.

Should occlusal splints be a routine prescription for diagnosed bruxers undergoing implant therapy?

Despite the documented excellent clinical performance of dental implants, concerns linger regarding the best way to protect the restored dentition in patients with bruxism. This is because of the risk of occlusal overload that is reported to cause biological and biomechanical failures in the implant-prosthesis system. To better distribute occlusal loads to the rigid components of the prosthesis and to the interface between bone and implant during parafunctional movements, several dentists prescribe acrylic resin occlusal splints for nocturnal use by patients considered at risk. However, it is unclear whether this recommendation is based on scientific evidence or expert clinical opinion. This report reflects our effort to employ the systematic review protocol to assess whether there is scientific evidence to recommend an occlusal splint in bruxers after implant therapy.

Noncarious cervical lesions--a clinical concept based on the literature review. Part 1: prevention

PURPOSE

Due to an increased prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL), a clinical strategy for this lesion type should be considered. Previous reviews focused mainly on etiology and prevalence. In Part 1 of this paper, an evidence-based support for a preventive strategy of NCCL was elaborated.

METHODS

Literature over the last 10 years available in the MEDLINE database was reviewed in order to find clinical evidence for a preventive approach to NCCL. Recommendations were based primarily on systematic reviews, clinical evaluations and a monograph.

RESULTS

The etiology of NCCL is currently considered to be rather multifactorial, as clinical investigations found multiple factors associated with this type of lesions and due to the lack of evidence to support exclusively one or another factor. Based on the hypothesis of multifactorial origin, a preventive protocol has been established. No clinical research exists with respect to the prevention of NCCL and long-term clinical evaluations of the proposed preventive measures are needed.

Temporomandibular disorders: a report of 124 patients

AIM

This study aims to present both the features of 124 consecutive patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and the results of a reversible, conservative, and low-tech treatment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

One hundred fifty-eight records of consecutive patients treated in School of Dentistry at the Univag-University Center in Várzea Grande-MT, Brazil, 124 of whom were considered TMD patients, were examined. The following data were obtained: gender, age, main complaint, diagnosis, co-morbidities, type of treatment performed, and treatment results. The patients who received a successful treatment were contacted for reevaluation four to six years after the conclusion of treatment.

RESULTS

Pain was the main complaint for 92.7 percent of the patients. The majority of patients were female (female:male ratio of 4.1:1), with a peak age range between 20 and 30 years. Roughly 59.7 percent of the patients were diagnosed as having a muscular TMD, 12.9 percent as an articular TMD, and 27.4 percent as a mixed TMD. The success rate for treatment was 91.7 percent, and there was a tendency toward the long-term maintenance of good results.

CONCLUSION

The features of the 124 TMD patients treated were similar to those reported in the literature with regard to gender, age, and diagnostic prevalence. Most of the disorders were of a muscular origin, and there was a predominance of women between 20 and 30 years of age. The conservative, reversible, and low-tech treatment success rate for TMD can reach values above 90 percent. Therefore, there is no need for invasive, irreversible, expensive, or high-tech treatments for the majority of patients.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The majority of TMD patients can benefit from reversible, conservative, and low-tech treatments such as parafunction control and therapeutic exercises that can be performed by any clinician once an accurate diagnosis has been made.

There is more to front teeth than looks alone: diagnosis and treatment planning

When treating high-risk parafunctional cases, patient compliance and understanding of the disease is paramount in the success and longevity of the restorations. Controlling the patient's expectations for augmenting the length and blocking out the dark color was accomplished (Figure 15 through Figure 18).

Use of botulinum toxin in dentistry

A growing number of dentists are providing botulinum toxin to patients. The research presented here outlines potential uses of Botox related to oral health and facial problems as compared to traditional treatment methods. The administration of Botox (historically done by dermatologists and neurologists) may fall under dentists' jurisdiction, as their training and knowledge encompasses the entire head and neck. A review is made of the literature, based on Ovid and PubMed searches, selecting articles describing the injection of botulinum toxin A in areas related to the oral cavity and the face, excluding cosmetic purposes.

Treatment of bruxism in children: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review to assess and analyze the scientific evidence about the available therapies for bruxism in children.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

The literature was searched using Medline, PubMed, Ovid, Biomed Central, EBSCOhost, ISI, Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, Scielo, Scirus, the Internet at large, and databases of universities from March 1985 to the end of September 2007. Studies had to be intervention studies for bruxism in children, and the children included in the studies had to be 3 to 10 years old.

RESULTS

From 52 records found, 2 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In 1 study, bruxism was treated by widening the upper airway through adenoidectomy, and the other study proposed to treat bruxism in children with psychologic techniques. When analyzed, the 2 considered studies did not fully accomplish the requirements to treat the etiology of bruxism in children.

CONCLUSION

The available literature does not provide adequate support to treat bruxism in children, as the diagnosis methods in the studies are insufficient and are not comparable to confirm the presence of bruxism. Very few studies about therapies for bruxism in children meet the quality criteria required for the evidence-based practice. Treatment for bruxism in children requires further study.

Different approaches to dental management of self-inflicted oral trauma: oral shield, botulinum toxin type A neuromuscular block, and oral surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess different approaches to the dental management of lip injuries caused by self-inflicted oral trauma in 7 patients.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

The patients were grouped based on 3 treatment approaches: group 1, placement of an oral appliance; group 2, botulinum toxin type A neuromuscular block; and group 3, oral surgery.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Neuromuscular block can be the first choice of treatment for patients with self-injurious behavior since botulinum toxin A injection is a well-tolerated, safe, and effective procedure, permitting improvement in muscle spasticity, bruxism, range of mouth opening, oral hygiene, and lip trauma. The second option would be the use of the oral appliance, and the last choice is oral surgery. Laser therapy was also found to be effective when applied to traumatic injuries in patients who present self-inflicted oral trauma.

Dental compression syndrome and TMD: examining the relationship

Fifty years ago, McCollum and Stuart described a subtle pathology of function in the human masticatory system that was difficult to understand. That subtle pathology is the damage that results from compression of teeth. It is subtle because often the patient is unaware. It is pathologic because it applies untoward stress to the dentition, alveolar bone, and the TMJ. It is difficult to understand for many reasons: multiple etiology, few patient complaints, poor understanding of the deformations caused by DCS, the role of equilibration during treatment is unclear, and the dissimilar ways it takes its toll. For proper management of DCS, the general dentist should monitor for signs of compression and wear, educate the patient about the problem, and provide treatment. While every patient with a flattened dentition should not have their teeth dramatically altered or reconstructed, the dental profession should form a consensus that the natural, sharp morphology of teeth is superior to a flattened dentition, and should be preserved throughout one's lifetime.

Reduction of sleep bruxism using a mandibular advancement device: an experimental controlled study

PURPOSE

The objective of this experimental study was to compare the effect on sleep bruxism and tooth-grinding activity of a double-arch temporary custom-fit mandibular advancement device (MAD) and a single maxillary occlusal splint (MOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen intense and frequent bruxors participated in this short-term randomized crossover controlled study. All polygraphic recordings and analyses were made in a sleep laboratory. The MOS was used as the active control condition and the MAD was used as the experimental treatment condition. Designed to temporarily manage snoring and sleep apnea, the MAD was used in 3 different configurations: (1) without the retention pin between the arches (full freedom of movement), (2) with the retention pin in a slightly advanced position (< 40%), and (3) with the retention pin in a more advanced position (> 75%) of the lower arch. Sleep variables, bruxism-related motor activity, and subjective reports (pain, comfort, oral salivation, and quality of sleep) were analyzed with analysis of variance and the Friedman test.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in the number of sleep bruxism episodes per hour (decrease of 42%, P < .001) was observed with the MOS. Compared to the MOS, active MADs (with advancement) also revealed a significant reduction in sleep bruxism motor activity. However, 8 of 13 patients reported pain (localized on mandibular gums and/or anterior teeth) with active MADs.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term use of a temporary custom-fit MAD is associated with a remarkable reduction in sleep bruxism motor activity. To a smaller extent, the MOS also reduces sleep bruxism. However, the exact mechanism supporting this reduction remains to be explained. Hypotheses are oriented toward the following: dimension and configuration of the appliance, presence of pain, reduced freedom of movement, or change in the upper airway patency.

Counseling and physical therapy as treatment for myofascial pain of the masticatory system

AIMS

To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment regimen comprising counseling and physical therapy in patients with myofascial pain of the masticatory system, and to explore whether the duration of the physical therapy offered (4 vs 6 weeks) would influence the treatment result.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients were randomly distributed over 2 groups. All patients received reassuring information, advice regarding relaxation of the jaws, avoiding parafunctions, and limited use of the jaws. In addition, a physical therapy program (heat application, massage, ultrasound and muscle stretching) was initiated 2 weeks after the start of the study (group I, receiving 4 weeks of physical therapy) or immediately from the start of the study (group II, receiving 6 weeks of physical therapy). The following parameters were taken at baseline, 2, 4, and 6 weeks: visual analog scale (VAS) scores of present pain; lowest and highest pain over the past period; percentage of pain relief; jaw function assessment by the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ); and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of the masseter, temporalis, and thumb muscles. Statistical analysis used a linear mixed model and corrected for multiple testing (Tukey test).

RESULTS

Pain and MFIQ scores decreased while PPTs increased in both groups. Only after 4 and 6 weeks, significant differences were present for the PPT of the masseter in group I (P < .02) and the temporalis in both groups (P < .01). Also, the VAS scores of present (P < .02), minimal (P < .01), and maximal (P < .0001) pain and the MFIQ score (P < .001) improved. After 6 weeks, a mean of 60% pain decrease was reported (P < .0001). There were no significant differences between the groups receiving 4 weeks vs 6 weeks of physical therapy.

CONCLUSION

A conservative approach involving counseling and physical therapy resulted in significant improvement in parameters of pain and jaw function in patients with myofascial pain. A controlled study will be necessary to elucidate the specific effectiveness of physical therapy over counseling or no treatment.

Combining fixed and removable restorations with linear occlusion to treat combination syndrome: a clinical report

Proper treatment sequencing is critical when a patient requires multiple fixed restorations in conjunction with a removable partial and complete denture. The vertical dimension, centric relation, and horizontal occlusal plane must be determined first, followed by a diagnostic wax-up that incorporates linear occlusal concepts to prevent anterior hyperfunction. A more predictable treatment outcome is possible when individual components are defined clearly.

Drugs and bruxism: a critical review

AIMS

Bruxism associated with drugs can be destructive, resulting in severe consequences to health that include destruction of tooth structure, irreversible harm to the temporomandibular joint, severe myofascial pain, and muscle contraction headache. However, reports concerning a possible association between bruxism and various pharmacologic drugs are scarce and mostly anecdotal. The purpose of this article was to review the existing literature concerning the exacerbating or ameliorating effect of drugs on bruxism in humans.

METHODS

A search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsicINFO databases from 1982 to 2001 was conducted, and the term bruxism and one of the following terms were used: drugs, medicine(s), pharmaceutical, movement disorders, akathisia, dyskinesia, dystonia, central or autonomic nervous system, dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Furthermore, a search using the term bruxism was carried out on the weekly journal Reactions, which deals with side effects of drugs. Several chemical terms were searched separately (e.g., caffeine, nicotine). Relevant information was also derived from reference lists of the retrieved publications.

RESULTS

The search yielded complex information referring to the association between bruxism and dopamine-related drugs, antidepressant drugs, sedative and anxiolytic drugs, and drugs of abuse.

CONCLUSION

There is insufficient evidence-based data to draw definite conclusions concerning the effects of various drugs on bruxism. Although certain substances related to the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and adrenergic systems suppress or exacerbate bruxist activity in humans and animals, the literature is still controversial, and based mostly on anecdotal case reports. More controlled, evidence-based research on this under-explored subject is needed.

Diagnosis and management of maxillary incisors affected by incisal wear: an interdisciplinary case report

In the attempt to restore anterior teeth affected by erosion and bruxism, many clinicians have been frustrated with the constant restorative failures. Frequently, these failures are attributed to the restorative materials employed, especially in cases in which composite resins are used. However, some flaws of the restorations are related to the oversight of occlusal principles. The purpose of this article is to discuss the etiology, signs, and symptoms of incisal wear, with special attention to that caused by bruxism and chemical erosion. Relatively simple management techniques (e.g., occlusal adjustment, adhesive restorations) are proposed, and the diagnosis and management of a representative clinical case is presented.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In some cases of bruxism and/or dental erosion, it is possible to acquire space to recuperate the esthetics and function of maxillary incisors affected by incisal wear through a conservative treatment associated with the control of the etiologic factors.

Initial management of temporomandibular disorders

The existing dental literature does not support the superiority of any one type of treatment to manage TMD. Few studies meet rigorous scientific standards of the randomized clinical trial. This has led to enormous controversy. The initial management of TMD does not have to be controversial. Noninvasive, reversible modalities can be employed that carry very little risk and a high degree of success (Table 4). The success rate of this approach has been studied and determined to be 75% to 90%. Of course, not every patient will get better with this approach. For those who do not improve more advanced techniques must be used, and referral to specialists in TMD, neurology, and rehabilitation medicine may be required. A few patients will need surgery. Initial treatment of TMD requires relatively simple modalities, such as patient education, adherence to a soft diet, reducing oral habits, self-directed home physical therapy, muscle relaxation, the use of medication, and the proper use of bite plates. The majority of TMD patients will respond successfully to these basic treatments.

Combining functional appliances in the straightwire system

The Trainer for Braces (T4B) helps speed up fixed appliance therapy, by derotating teeth and pushing them into the line of the arch. It also aids treatment stability by reducing the influence of undesirable myo-functional habits and retraining the oral musculature. I issue a T4B to all my patients on the day of bracket placement. I have noticed a 30% reduction in treatment times for those patients who wear the T4B as directed.

Occlusal disease revisited: Part II

In part I of this article, the evolution of bruxism from childhood was discussed. Further, the different types of anterior tooth wear were reviewed. Specifically, the type of wear noted in bruxed-braced or cross-over position was pointed out. Examples were illustrated to allow the practitioner to recognize the type of parafunction in advance of treatment. This article will continue the discussion of cross over with moderate to extreme examples. Suggestions for treatment are discussed depending on the severity of the problem. Restorative failure and the implications for implant dentistry are noted.

Occlusal splints and temporomandibular disorders: why, when, how?

Occlusal splints are one form of treatment in the management of patients with a temporomandibular disorder. Appliances are often used in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy or medication. A variety of splints is described in the literature and the dentist must ensure that the splint prescribed is of a design that has a proven success rate for the specific diagnosis. General principles that apply to the provision of all splints are outlined in this paper.

Reducing condylar compression in clenching patients

The two major muscle groups used during clenching activity are the masseter and temporalis muscles. EMG readings of the masseter and temporalis muscles rise significantly during times of macro-clenching. Clenching occurs when the masseter and temporalis muscles contract, pulling the mandible superiorly. The continued contraction of the masseter and temporalis muscles results in compression forces on the teeth and temporomandibular joints. Theoretical joint loading models are utilized to demonstrate the load on the TMJ due to forces generated by the masseter and temporalis muscles. This study measures the EMG readings during bilateral macro-contraction of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles. An appliance is fabricated to disengage the posterior teeth and a second series of EMG readings are taken to record lowered EMG readings. The vector forces of the reduced EMG's recordings demonstrate reduced condylar compression during macro-clenching.

Efficacy of the nocturnal bite plate in the control of bruxism for 3 to 5 year old children

Bruxism occurs in nearly 60% of children between 3 and 5 years, with important repercussions to the different components of the stomatognathic system. Nevertheless, there is little information in the literature about this topic. The aim of this study was to compare two groups of children with bruxism. One group was not submitted to treatment, serving as a control. To the other group, nocturnal bite plate was made. Cast models were made for both groups, to evaluate the progression of wear facets, during 8 months. The results are as follows: The 4 children of the control group displayed increased wear facets during the study period. On the other hand, of the 5 children that used nocturnal bite plate, showed no increase of wear facets, even after the removal of the device. From this study, we can conclude that the use of nocturnal bite plate is efficient against bruxism in 3- to 5-year-old children.

Oral splints: the crutches for temporomandibular disorders and bruxism?

Despite the extensive use of oral splints in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism, their mechanisms of action remain controversial Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain their apparent efficacy (i.e., true therapeutic value), including the repositioning of condyle and/or the articular disc, reduction in the electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles, modification of the patient's "harmful" oral behavior, and changes in the patient's occlusion. Following a comprehensive review of the literature, it is concluded that any of these theories is either poor or inconsistent, while the issue of true efficacy for oral splints remains unsettled. However, the results of a controlled clinical trial lend support to the effectiveness (i.e., the patient's appreciation of the positive changes which are perceived to have occurred during the trial) of the stabilizing splint in the control of myofascial pain. In light of the data supporting their effectiveness but not their efficacy, oral splints should be used as an adjunct for pain management rather than a definitive treatment. For sleep bruxism, it is prudent to limit their use as a habit management aid and to prevent/limit dental damage potentially induced by the disorder. Future research should study the natural history and etiologies of TMD and bruxism, so that specific treatments for these disorders can be developed.