Myofacial pain dysfunction: analysis of 476 patients

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Neuromuscular Medicine
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Myofacial Pain Dysfunction (MPD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder impacting the neuromuscular system, temporomandibular joints, and dental occlusion.
• MPD affects individuals across all age groups and genders, presenting with symptoms of pain and dysfunction in the jaw, head, and neck regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between mandibular dysfunction, occlusal status, and muscle activity in MPD patients.
• To evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic occlusal adjustments using precision orthotic appliances in alleviating MPD symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized electronic measurement tools, including the mandibular kinesiograph (MKG) and electromyography (EMG), to assess mandibular movement, occlusal positions, and muscle function in 476 MPD patients.
• Compared natural dental occlusal positions with neuromuscularly balanced positions and analyzed muscle activity before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was observed between MPD symptoms, unhealthy mandibular positions, and abnormal muscle activity.
• Therapeutic repositioning of the dental occlusion to a neuromuscularly healthy state using orthotic appliances led to significant symptom relief in 88% of patients within one month.
• Symptom improvement demonstrated sustained positive correlation at three months and long-term follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Malocclusion and associated neuromuscular dysfunction are key factors in Myofacial Pain Dysfunction.
• Precision orthotic appliances effectively correct occlusal imbalances, leading to substantial and lasting relief from MPD symptoms.