A Device Improves Signs and Symptoms of TMD

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Neuromuscular Dentistry
• Pain Management

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) presents ongoing challenges in dental treatment.
• Chronic orofacial pain in female patients often accompanies TMD.
• Novel therapeutic devices are needed to address TMD signs and symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a new neuromuscular lingual device (ELIBA) for reducing TMD symptoms.
• To assess the impact of the ELIBA device on orofacial pain and muscle activity in female patients.

Main Methods:

• Fifty female patients diagnosed with myofascial TMD were enrolled and randomized into study and control groups.
• The study group utilized the ELIBA device, incorporating ultra-low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation (ULF-TENS).
• Surface electromyography/kinesiology (sEMG/KNG) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were assessed at baseline and after six months.

Main Results:

• The ELIBA group demonstrated significant reductions in sEMG/KNG values compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
• Significant improvements were observed in maximum vertical mouth opening (p=0.003) and mouth movement velocity (p=0.003 for opening, p < 0.0001 for closing).
• A notable decrease in pain scores, as measured by VAS, was reported in the study group (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• The ELIBA device effectively reduces TMD-associated myogenous pain and enhances sEMG/KNG values after six months.
• ELIBA shows potential for head-neck pain relief in chronic TMD patients.
• The device promotes muscle relaxation and increases freeway space, aiding rehabilitation for patients unsuitable for conventional orthotics.