A new method for recording mandibular position during nocturnal bruxism

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Sleep Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Nocturnal bruxism is a common sleep disorder characterized by involuntary teeth grinding and clenching.
• Accurate measurement of mandibular position during sleep is crucial for understanding bruxism.
• Existing methods may not fully capture the nuances of mandibular movements during sleep.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate novel experimental equipment for recording mandibular excursive position during nocturnal bruxism.
• To simultaneously record electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter muscles and mandibular position.
• To differentiate between unilateral and bilateral bruxism patterns.

Main Methods:

• Designed and constructed experimental equipment using chromium-cobalt alloy frameworks for dental arches.
• Integrated tiny magnetic sensors and magnets for precise mandibular position tracking.
• Utilized electromyography (EMG) for recording bilateral masseter muscle activity during sleep.

Main Results:

• The devised equipment successfully recorded mandibular position and EMG activity in two subjects confirmed to be bruxing during sleep.
• EMG patterns indicated bruxism in both subjects.
• Sensor data revealed distinct patterns: one subject exhibited bilateral bruxism, while the other displayed predominantly unilateral bruxism.

Conclusions:

• The newly developed equipment is practical and effective for studying mandibular position during nocturnal bruxism.
• This technology can differentiate between unilateral and bilateral bruxism, offering insights into the condition's asymmetry.
• Further research can utilize this equipment to investigate the pathophysiology and treatment of sleep bruxism.