Ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation does not affect the centric relation registration

Area of Science:

• Dental occlusion and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) biomechanics.
• Neuromuscular electrical stimulation applications in dentistry.

Background:

• Accurate centric relation (CR) registration is crucial for dental treatment planning.
• Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can affect the reliability of CR records.
• Ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS) is explored for potential therapeutic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of ULF-TENS on mandibular condyle displacement during CR registration.
• To evaluate the influence of ULF-TENS on the repeatability of three CR registration techniques: bimanual manipulation (BM), long strip technique, and harmonic centric occlusal relationship (R.O.C.A. wires).

Main Methods:

• Twenty-five participants without TMD were enrolled.
• Electronic position analysis was used to record CR.
• CR registration was performed using three techniques before and after ULF-TENS application (30 minutes).

Main Results:

• ULF-TENS did not significantly alter overall condyle displacement across any technique (p > 0.05).
• The bimanual manipulation (BM) technique demonstrated improved repeatability following ULF-TENS application.
• Specific axes showed varying degrees of reduced variability: BM (X-axis), long strip and R.O.C.A. wires (Y-axis), and long strip technique (Z-axis).

Conclusions:

• ULF-TENS does not significantly influence mandibular condyle displacement during CR registration.
• The bimanual manipulation technique shows enhanced repeatability with ULF-TENS.
• Different CR registration methods exhibit distinct patterns of variability reduction along specific axes after ULF-TENS application.