Comparison of effects of electromyographic biofeedback and occlusal splint therapy on mandibular dysfunction

In order to evaluate and compare the effects of biofeedback and occlusal splint therapy on mandibular dysfunction, 30 patients were randomly divided into two treatment groups. The patients were women aged 20--40 years without any obvious organic reasons for their symptoms. There were no significant differences between the two groups before the start of treatment in respect of signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction. One group used full coverage splints at night for 6 weeks. The other group received biofeedback training up to six times, 30 min per session. One month after completion of the therapy the patients were re-examined. Both groups showed a significant reduction in symptoms, both subjectively and clinically. No significant differences between the groups were found. The two treatments were thus equally effective in the short-term perspective in patients with signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction.