Influence of occlusal appliances on the masticatory muscle function in individuals with sleep bruxism: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review answers the question: "Does occlusal appliance use influence masticatory muscle function of dentate individuals with sleep bruxism?". The literature search included six databases, grey literature, and manual search for articles. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included comparing muscle function of sleep bruxers before and after receiving occlusal appliances. Risk of bias was assessed with risk of bias assessment for randomized and non-randomized clinical trials tool. Twelve studies, three represent randomized clinical trials, were included. Risk of bias was considered low, moderate, or serious. Meta-analyses indicated that soft and hard appliances did not influence muscle activity and bite force of bruxers. Qualitative analysis showed that occlusal appliance use did not influence masticatory performance and muscle volume. However, it was effective in reducing tongue force. Certainty of evidence was considered very low for muscle activity when evaluated with hard appliances, and for bite force evaluated with both appliance materials. Low certainty of evidence was observed for muscle activity with soft appliances. Based on the findings of this meta-analysis, occlusal appliances do not affect masticatory muscle function of sleep bruxers. Regardless of appliance material, the activity of masseter and temporal, and bite force of sleep bruxers was not influenced.

Masticatory function and mortality among older adults living in long-term care facilities in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between mortality and masticatory function in older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), controlling for demographic and health covariates. BACKGROUND: Poor oral health has been associated with mortality; however, no previous study investigated whether objective and self-reported poor masticatory function is a predictor of early mortality in LTCFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline characteristics of 295 participants were collected, including age, sex, polypharmacy, mobility, activities of daily living, frailty, nutritional status, and objective (masticatory performance - chewing gum) and self-reported masticatory function. The participants were followed-up with for 4 years to record the mortality data. Cox regression models were run to analyse the data (α = .05). RESULTS: During the 4-year follow-up, 124 (42.0%) participants died. Older adults with poor masticatory performance (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.07-2.36) and those who self-reported masticatory dysfunction (HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.01-2.16) were at higher risk of early death than those with good mastication. However, in a multivariate model including both objective and self-reported masticatory function, only the objective measurement remained associated with early death (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.02-2.27). CONCLUSION: Poor masticatory performance seems to be associated with early death in older adults living in LTCFs, but they may have shared risk factors accumulated throughout life that were not covered by the study period.

Does occlusal morphology of artificial teeth improve chewing of removable dentures wearers? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to verify whether anatomic, semi-anatomic, or nonanatomic occlusal morphology of artificial teeth improves the masticatory function of complete or removable partial denture wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to the PICO strategy, six databases and the grey literature were searched to identify randomized (RCT) and non-randomized clinical trials (N-RCT) comparing masticatory function, in terms of masticatory performance and efficiency, and muscle activity as primary outcomes; and patient-reported results (O) in individuals using removable dentures (P) with different occlusal morphologies of artificial teeth (I/C). Masticatory ability, satisfaction with the prosthetic treatment, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) for RCT and Risk of Bias for non-randomized studies with intervention (ROBINS-I) for N-RCT studies. Meta-analyses were performed to compare primary outcomes and masticatory ability between the occlusal morphologies of artificial teeth of complete or removable partial dentures (α = 0.05). Certainty of the evidence was verified using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Eleven studies (seven RCTs and four N-RCTs) were included. The risk of bias was considered low for two studies, some concerns for five, and high for the last four studies. Meta-analyses showed that removable partial dentures with anatomic artificial teeth improved masticatory efficiency for carrot chewing (MD 6.31; 95% CI [3.39, 9.22], I2 = 0%). However, masseter and temporal muscle activities increased when removable partial dentures with nonanatomic teeth were used (MD -756.97; 95% CI [-892.25, -621.68], I2 = 100%). Masticatory ability was not influenced by occlusal morphology during chewing of all foods in complete denture users: Carrot (MD -0.88, 95% CI [-8.98, 7.23], I2 = 57%); sausage (MD -8.86, 95% CI [-23.05, 5.33], I2 = 71%); apple (MD -5.78, 95% CI [-28.82, 17.26], I2 = 87%); and cheese (MD -4.16, 95% CI [-15.14, 6.82], I2 = 62%). The certainty of evidence for all evaluated outcomes was very low, mainly due to very serious problems found in the parameters of inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the very low certainty of evidence, the occlusal morphology of artificial teeth influences masticatory function. Anatomic teeth improved the masticatory efficiency and muscle activity of removable partial denture wearers. Nonanatomic teeth increased temporal and masseter muscle activity, which negatively affected chewing in removable partial denture users. However, patients using complete dentures with anatomic and semi-anatomic teeth presented similar masticatory ability.

Influence of different presentations of denture adhesives on masticatory function of complete denture wearers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Denture adhesives improve the mastication of complete denture wearers. However, the impact of denture adhesives with different presentations on mastication remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to answer the focused question, "Do different presentations of denture adhesives affect the masticatory function of complete denture wearers?". MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases and the non-peer-reviewed literature were searched up to July 2021. Only clinical studies (randomized clinical trials and nonrandomized clinical trials) comparing the use of different denture adhesive presentations (cream, powder, or strips) were included, without language or follow-up restrictions. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Cochrane tools (RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I). Masticatory performance, by using single and multiple sieves, masticatory performance with color-changing chewing gum (mixing ability), swallowing threshold (particle size and number of cycles), jaw kinematics, and occlusal force were considered. Meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate masticatory performance (single sieve) and occlusal force outcomes (α=.05), and the certainty of the evidence was determined with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) evaluations. RESULTS: Nine studies (6 randomized and 3 nonrandomized clinical trials) were included. The risk of bias was considered moderate. Meta-analyses showed no differences between cream and powder denture adhesives for masticatory performance (standard mean difference=0.02; 95% CI=-0.46 to 0.50, P=.93) or between cream and strip denture adhesives for occlusal force (mean difference=14.35; 95% CI=-11.14 to 39.84, P=.27). Similarly, in qualitative analysis, cream and powder denture adhesives' performances were similar regarding masticatory performance with color-changing chewing gum (mixing ability), occlusal force, swallowing threshold (particle size and number of cycles), and jaw kinematics (P>.05). However, for resorbed ridges, cream denture adhesive resulted in a higher masticatory performance than strip (P<.05). When comparing powder to strip denture adhesives, the occlusal force was higher in the powder group (P<.05). The certainty of evidence was very low for all evaluated outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Different presentations of denture adhesives seem to improve the masticatory function of complete denture wearers in a similar way. However, the qualitative analysis showed that, in patients with a resorbed ridge, a cream denture adhesive may be better than strips to improve mastication, although the certainty of evidence was very low.

Speech in implant-supported and removable complete denture wearers: A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Prosthetic rehabilitation, especially with removable complete dentures (CDs), can contribute to speech problems, although the prevalence of the problem is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the influence of implant-supported fixed complete dentures (FCDs), implant-supported overdentures, and removable CDs on speech articulation disorders in patients with at least 1 completely edentulous jaw. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020182705). The PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through April 2020 to identify clinical trials comparing maxillary and/or mandibular implant-supported dentures with removable CD use in terms of speech articulation in participants with at least 1 completely edentulous jaw. The risk of bias of selected studies was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools, and the quality of evidence was tested by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Initially, 2586 articles were identified, and their titles and abstracts were read. Sixteen articles were read in full, and 8 studies (4 paired clinical trials and 4 cross-sectional studies) were included in this review. In total, 290 prosthesis users aged 29 to 90 years, approximately 44 of whom had hearing difficulties, were included. Four studies had a low risk of bias, and 4 studies had a high risk of bias. Distortions of the /s/ phoneme were observed more often in the first 6 months of maxillary FCD use than with removable CD use. Speech articulation did not differ between mandibular FCD and removable CD users. The quality of evidence for speech articulation disorders was low. CONCLUSIONS: Given the low quality of evidence on speech articulation disorders, further research on speech articulation disorders in prosthesis wearers is needed.

Clinical performance of polymer frameworks in dental prostheses: A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: High-performance polymers including polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) have been used as substitutes for metal frameworks in dental prostheses. However, the clinical performance of polymer-based frameworks is still uncertain. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the clinical performance of PEEK and PEKK with that of metal frameworks for different dental prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases and non-peer-reviewed literature (without language or follow-up restrictions) were searched for studies conducted before February 2022. Only clinical studies, either randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or nonrandomized clinical trials (N-RCTs), comparing the clinical performance of polymer and metal frameworks were included. The risk of bias and certainty of the evidence were assessed with the RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, and GRADE. Biologic (plaque and gingival indices, probing depth, bleeding scores, implant stability quotient, marginal bone loss) and mechanical outcomes (ridge base relation, prosthetic marginal gap, and fracture) were assessed. RESULTS: Only 9 studies (7 RCTs and 2 N-RCTs) were included, all with moderate to serious risk of bias and low to very low certainty of evidence. No meta-analysis was possible, but qualitative analysis revealed lower plaque and gingival indices, probing depth, and marginal bone loss, with higher survival rates for implant-supported fixed prostheses and overdentures fabricated with PEEK than for metal frameworks. No significant differences were found between groups for removable partial dentures. The marginal fit of PEEK frameworks was also better for single crowns. Three fractures were reported in the 3 PEKK fixed dental prostheses with cantilevers. CONCLUSIONS: PEEK and PEKK seem to be promising materials for dental prostheses, with acceptable response from the periodontal tissue. However, further well-designed studies are necessary to better understand their clinical and long-term limitations.

Surface treatments to improve the repair of acrylic and bis-acryl provisional materials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vitro effects of the Composite Primer and different surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of acrylic and bis-acryl repairs with resin composite (RC). METHODS: Acrylic (Alike) and bis-acryl (Protemp 4) blocks were prepared. Surface roughness was standardized (0.16 µm) and grit blasting was applied to half of the samples. Blocks were divided randomly into groups according to surface treatment [methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) for 180 seconds or bonding agents (Composite Primer and Scotchbond Multi Purpose), applied alone or following MMA]. Two consistencies of RC [ regular (Filtek Z350XT and Solare composite) or flowable (Filtek Z350XT flowable and G-aenial flowable composite) ] were used to test bond repair. Cylinders (2 mm diameter) of each RC (n= 10/group) were attached to the block surface, and SBS was measured using a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/minute. Failure (adhesive, cohesive or mixed) was assessed under ×3.5 magnification. SBS data were analyzed using factorial ANOVA, followed by Tukey post-hoc, and Weibull moduli estimation (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The highest SBS, Weibull modulus (m) and scale parameter (σ0) were found in combined use of MMA and bonding agents (P< 0.001), regardless of the substrate, RC consistency or brand. The use of the Composite Primer and flowable RC also increased SBS (P< 0.001). Significant interaction between surface treatment and RC consistency was observed for the PMMA substrate (P< 0.001). Sandblasting did not influence SBS (P> 0.05). Adhesive failure was most prevalent (93.5%) and SBS values were significantly higher in mixed fractures (19.2± 3.8 MPa) compared to the adhesive ones (9.7± 6.0 MPa) (P< 0.001). No cohesive fracture was observed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Composite Primer improved the adhesion of acrylic and bis-acryl repairs, especially when a flowable composite was used. When such product is not available, the combined use of MMA and a bonding agent is necessary, increasing the number of clinical steps, cost, and time required.

Do implant-supported prostheses affect bioavailability of nutrients of complete and partially edentulous patients? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Debate still exists about the impact of dental implant-supported prostheses on nutritional status of partially and complete edentulous patients. This review aims to answer the focused question: "Do complete and partial edentulous patients, using implant-supported prostheses, present better nutritional and masticatory functions when compared to those using conventional rehabilitations?". A possible cause-effect relationship between masticatory improvements and nutritional gain was also evaluated. METHODS: Literature search included 6 databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library - CENTRAL), grey literature (Google Scholar, Proquest Dissertations and Thesis and Open Grey databases) and manual search (last update June 2020), without language, publication time and follow-up restrictions. We included only studies evaluating both masticatory and nutritional outcomes. The PICO question comprised complete and partial edentulous patients (Population), submitted to implant-supported prostheses (Intervention), in comparison to conventional dental prosthetic rehabilitation, evaluating masticatory function and nutrition parameters (outcomes). Risk of bias was assessed by using Cochrane Collaboration's tool (randomized clinical trials), Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist (paired clinical trials), and Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument" (JBI - MAStARI) critical appraisal tools (cohort studies). All meta-analyses were conducted at 5% level of significance. This report followed the PRISMA guidelines. (Review registration PROSPERO - CRD42019135744). RESULTS: We identified 1199 articles while searching databases. Fourteen articles met eligibility criteria, including 817 prostheses installed in 660 patients (mean age = 66.8 years-old). Patients wearing implant overdentures (IOD) presented better masticatory function in comparison to conventional complete denture (CD) wearers (p < 0.05). However, bioavailability of several nutrients remained within the same range, except for serum folate that was lower in IOD patients after 6 (mean difference 3.51 nmol/L; p = 0.01) and 12 months of rehabilitation (mean difference 3.69 nmol/L; p = 0.003). When comparing the effects of CD and IOD rehabilitations along time (for the same patient), serum albumin and vitamin B12 levels also decreased for both groups after 12 months-follow-up, but still within the reference range. The additional retention of the implants did not interfere in body weight, but reduced the risk of malnutrition (using the Mini Nutritional Assessment). Implant-supported partial prostheses also improved mastication in comparison to the conventional ones, increasing short-term daily intake of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, fiber, and iron, whereas decreasing the consumption of cholesterol. However, no long-term changes on bioavailability of most nutrients were observed, expect for a slight increase in ferritin and cholinesterase, and a small reduction in folate and Vitamin A. CONCLUSION: Current evidence indicates significant masticatory improvements for dental fixed implant-supported prostheses in comparison to conventional removable prostheses. However, bioavailability remained stable for most of the nutrients, especially for complete edentulous patients. These results indicate the importance of a multidisciplinary approach during oral rehabilitation (nutrient specialist), in order to enhance food choices and promote health benefits to the patients.

Adhesion to high-performance polymers applied in dentistry: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systemic review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement, was to investigate the impact of surface pretreatments on the bonding strength of high performance polymers (HPPs). METHODS: Eight databases were searched through March 2019. Risk of bias was assessed and random effects meta-analyses were applied to analyze mean differences in shear bond strength (SBS) and tensile bond strength (TBS), considering surface pretreatments and bonding agents after 24h and thermocycling. RESULTS: A total of 235 relevant titles and abstracts were found, yielding 11 final selections. Low risk of bias was observed in most studies. For polyetheretherketone (PEEK) specimens, random-effect models showed that, compared to non-treated controls, pretreatments associated with Visio.link® (Bredent, Senden, GE) increased TBS by 26.72MPa (95% confidence interval (CI), 19.69-33.76; p<0.00001) and increased SBS by 4.86MPa (95% CI, 2.61-7.10; p<0.00001). Air abrasion improved SBS by 4.90MPa (95% CI, 3.90-5.90; p<0.00001) (50µm alumina) and 4.51MPa (95% CI, 1.85-7.18; p=0.0009) (silica-coated CoJet). In comparison to non-treated controls, Visio.link® and Signum PEEK Bond® (Heraeus Kulzer, Hanau, GE) increased SBS by 33.76MPa (95% CI, 18.72-48.81; p<0.00001) and 33.28MPa (95% CI, 17.48-49.07; p<0.00001), respectively. No differences were found between Visio.link® and Signum PEEK Bond® or Monobond Plus/Heliobond® (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, LH) (p>0.05). Similar results were observed for polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) specimens. SIGNIFICANCE: This review shows improved HPP bonding following the application of various surface pretreatments, including air abrasion and bonding agents.

Narrow-diameter implants in the anterior region: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Implants in the anterior region are challenging, and literature reporting outcomes of narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) in anterior sites is scarce. This systematic review summarized evidence of functional and esthetic performance of anterior single crowns supported by NDIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten databases were searched to find studies evaluating anterior single crowns supported by NDIs. Risk of bias was assessed, and random-effects meta-analyses were applied to analyze mean differences in survival, success, and marginal bone level (MBL). The review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018089886). RESULTS: Twenty-one studies meeting the screening criteria were included for qualitative analysis, and three for meta-analysis. A total of 892 NDIs, placed in 736 patients, were analyzed. Follow-up duration varied from 12 months to 14 years (mean: 40 months), and 16 failures (implant loss) were recorded. Fixed-effect meta-analysis (I2 = 0%) of survival rate revealed a risk difference of 0.02 (95% CI: -0.03 to 0.08), between NDIs and controls (regular-diameter implants), without differences between groups (P = .39). Success rates ranged from 84.2% to 100% (mean: 95.2%). Random-effects meta-analysis (I2 = 56%) of MBL indicated a mean difference of 0.02 mm (95% CI: -0.21 to 0.25), without differences between groups (P = .87). CONCLUSION: Single crowns supported by NDIs are a predictable treatment, since their survival rate and MBL are comparable to those supported by regular-diameter implants. Due to data shortage reporting esthetic outcomes, more studies are needed to evaluate the long-term performance of the single crowns supported by NDIs in the anterior region.

Association of sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, and sleep quality with COVID-19 fear in an elderly Brazilian population

Aim: This study determined whether COVID-19 fear is correlated with sociodemographic characteristics, general health, mental health, and sleep quality in an elderly Brazilians. Methods: Elderly people aged ≥ 60 years replied to an online survey containing questions about their sociodemographic characteristics; general health; levels of stress, anxiety, and depression; sleep quality; and COVID fear. Results: Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics (α = 5%). In total, 705 elderly people with mean age of 66 ± 5 years, and most (82.7%) respondents were women, graduated and from southeastern Brazil. COVID-19 fear correlated positively and moderately with sleep quality and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (all p < 0.001). It was associated with females. Elderly people from northern and northeastern Brazil and diabetics had increased COVID-19 fear (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The fear of COVID-19 exists among Brazilian female old people, diabetics, increases anxiety and stress symptoms, and worsen sleep quality in elderly people