Immediate electromyographic response in masseter and temporal muscles to bite plates and stabilization splints

Area of Science:

• Dental Science
• Neuromuscular Dentistry
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Craniomandibular disorders (CMD) affect masticatory muscles.
• Dental appliances like bite plates and stabilization splints are used to manage CMD.
• Understanding their immediate impact on muscle activity is crucial for treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immediate effects of bite plates and stabilization splints on masticatory muscle activity.
• To compare these effects in healthy subjects and patients with CMD.

Main Methods:

• Electromyographic (EMG) surface recordings were taken from masseter and temporal muscles.
• Measurements were performed bilaterally, with and without appliances, in rest and maximal biting positions.
• Subjects included healthy controls and patients diagnosed with craniomandibular disorders.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in average masticatory muscle activity were observed at rest with either appliance.
• Stabilization splints did not alter muscle activity during maximal biting compared to no appliance.
• Bite plates significantly decreased maximal biting activity in both masseter and temporal muscles for all subjects.

Conclusions:

• Bite plates can reduce maximal voluntary bite force, likely due to altered occlusal contacts.
• Stabilization splints do not appear to immediately influence masticatory muscle activity during maximal biting.
• Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and clinical implications of these findings in CMD management.