Efficiency of mixed and rigid occlusal stabilization splints: Randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Sleep Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Occlusal stabilization splints are standard for managing sleep bruxism.
• Evaluating cost-effective alternatives like mixed occlusal splints (MOS) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a low-cost MOS versus a traditional rigid occlusal splint (ROS) for sleep bruxism.
• To assess impacts on pain, quality of life, and splint durability.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 43 adults with sleep bruxism.
• Participants were assigned to MOS or ROS groups.
• Evaluated pain, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and splint wear over 12 months.

Main Results:

• Both MOS and ROS groups showed reduced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and improved quality of life.
• The MOS group exhibited a significantly higher splint wear rate at 6 months (p = 0.023).
• No significant differences were found in other evaluated parameters between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Mixed occlusal splints (MOS) are effective in controlling sleep bruxism signs and symptoms.
• MOS demonstrates comparable efficacy to rigid splints with potentially better patient compliance due to higher wear rates.