Neuromuscular and occlusion analysis to evaluate the efficacy of three splints on patients with bruxism

Occlusal splints are always applied on individuals with bruxism to reduce tooth wear and relieve orofacial symptoms such as myofascial pain. The stomatognathic system is mainly composed of tooth, occlusion, masticatory muscles, and temporomandibular joint. The occlusion and masticatory muscles function are regarded as the important parameters for evaluating the stomatognathic system state objectively. However, the effects of occlusal splints on individuals with bruxism is rarely elucidated from accurate neuromuscular analysis and occlusion evaluation. The aim of the present study was to estimate the effects of three different splints (two clinically common full coverage occlusal splint and an modified anterior splint) on subjects with bruxism using K7-J5 neuromuscular analysis system and Dental Prescale II (DP2) to evaluate occlusion.

Sixteen subjects claimed to be suffering from nocturnal bruxism,with complete dentition and stable occlusal relationship, were selected for study.The intermaxillary space and the baselines of EMG-activity of the anterior temporalis and masseter were recorded for all the subjects. The participants was treated with three different splints, and outcomes were estimated by comfort index, occlusion and surface electromyography of anterior temporalis and masseter.

At teeth clenched position, EMG data were significantly lower in the participants with use of modified anterior splint than with hard, soft occlusal splint or without splint (p < 0.05). The maximum bite force and bite area occur in subjects without use of splint, while the minimal occur in subjects with use of modified anterior splint. Intermaxillary space increased and masticatory muscles presented significant reduction of EMG data at rest position as a result of J5 (p < 0.05).

Modified anterior splint seems to be more comfortable and effective in reducing occlusion force and electromyographic activity of anterior temporalis and masseter for subjects with bruxism.