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.

Palatal coverage and oral stereognosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Complete denture wearers present with less sensory function than dentate individuals because of the loss of periodontal receptors. However, the role of the palatal receptors on such function is still unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the influence of palatal coverage associated with complete dentures or palatal devices on oral stereognosis in edentulous or dentate adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight major literature databases and the nonpeer-reviewed literature were searched up to December of 2021. Randomized clinical trials and nonrandomized clinical trials comparing oral stereognosis in edentulous or dentate participants using conventional complete dentures or implant-supported prostheses or those using palatal devices were included. Bias was assessed with Cochrane tools (ROBINS-I and RoB 2.0). Meta-analyses were conducted to compare oral stereognosis before and after palatal coverage (α=.05). Certainty of the evidence was verified using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Of 14 included studies, the risk of bias was considered low for 9 studies and moderate for 5 studies. Despite the very low certainty of evidence, meta-analyses showed no differences in oral stereognosis immediately after complete denture insertion (standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.302; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.124, 0.728; P=.165; I2=92.4%). Oral stereognosis scores improved after ≥1 month of complete denture use compared with initial evaluations without them. Qualitative analysis indicated that oral stereognosis was not influenced by palatal coverage shortly after complete denture installation and that oral stereognosis scores improved over time after prosthesis use. CONCLUSIONS: Oral stereognosis improved with the use of palate-covering prostheses over time. However, because of the very low certainty of evidence, the statement must be interpreted with caution.

Efficacy of digital radiographic systems in the quality assessment of intracanal materials used for primary teeth

Aim: To evaluate the performance of three digital radiographic systems in the analysis of root canal filling quality using different intracanal materials for primary teeth. Methods: Twenty-five bovine teeth were divided into 5 groups: Calen® combined with iodoform; Calen® combined with zinc oxide; zinc oxide and eugenol; UltraCal®XS, and 2% chlorhexidine combined with Ca(OH)2 + zinc oxide. Periapical radiographs were obtained with the VistaScan, Express, and SnapShot systems. The quality of the images was evaluated objectively (radiopacity) and subjectively (apical sealing and filling homogeneity). As the reference standard, the teeth were scanned with a micro-CT device. Results: Radiopacity differed among the radiographic systems and materials tested. In general, the greatest difference was observed between the Express and VistaScan systems; Calen® combined with iodoform resulted in the highest radiopacity. The radiographic systems did not differ in terms of homogeneity. However, Calen® combined with iodoform differed from the other materials and exhibited the best results. Regarding apical sealing, the SnapShot system and Calen® combined with zinc oxide provided the best results. Conclusion: Direct digital systems show better performance in evaluating the quality of endodontic treatment in primary teeth and should be preferred for this purpose