Efficacy of a mandibular advancement intraoral appliance (MOA) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in pediatric patients: A pilot-study

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the treatment efficacy of a mandibular advancement intraoral appliance (MOA) for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients (mean=8.39 years old, women=44.4%) were selected. Sleep disorders, sleep bruxism, and temporomandibular disorders were assessed by the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), the BiteStrip (R) (portable SB device), and the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, respectively. The clinical diagnosis of OSAS was confirmed with a type 3 portable monitor device (ApNeaLink (TM) Plus). A silicon-based material MOA was used by patients for 60 days, and the results were compared to baseline. RESULTS: The median RDI was significantly reduced from 10 to 4.5 events/hour. Nadir SpO2 significantly increased from 82.6% to 88.9%. Total snoring events/hour have also significantly decreased from 205.5 to 91.5. Signs and symptoms of TMD remained unaltered. There was also a reduction from moderate to absence of SB in 12 patients. Similarly, all variables measured by the SDSC have had very significant reductions: disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep, sleep disordered breathing, disorders of arousal, nightmares, sleep wake transition disorders, disorders of excessive somnolence, and sleep hyperhidrosis. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, OA maybe considered as an alternative for the OSAS treatment

Masticatory muscle stretching for the management of sleep bruxism: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sleep bruxism is a phenomenon associated with masticatory muscle hyperactivity. While stretching of limb and trunk muscles has been extensively studied for musculoskeletal disorders, little is known about the effectiveness of stretching of masticatory muscles in the management of bruxism. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of stretching of the masticatory muscles for sleep bruxism. METHODS: Twenty four pain-free individuals with sleep bruxism were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Both groups were given sleep hygiene advice and the intervention group additionally received muscle-stretching exercises for 10 days. Primary outcome measures, bruxism bursts and episodes per hour of sleep, were measured by ambulant polysomnography. Secondary outcome measures were among others pain-free active maximum mouth opening (MMO) and masseter pressure pain threshold (PPT). RESULTS: The number of bruxism episodes per hour of sleep increased more in the intervention group than in the control group (by 1.1 episodes, P = 0.066), as did the number of bruxism bursts per hour of sleep (by 8.6 bursts, P = 0.049). MMO and PPT increased significantly more in the intervention group (by 3.2 mm, P = 0.020; and by 1.0 kg/cm2 , P = 0.036, respectively). CONCLUSION: Static stretching of the masticatory muscles resulted in a minor increase in sleep bruxism episodes (not significant) and bursts (significant). It also led to a significant increase in MMO and PPT. Therefore, masticatory muscle stretching was not effective in reducing sleep bruxism in the absence of pain and/or dysfunction.

Efficacy of biofeedback therapy on sleep bruxism: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study updates the review published by Wang et al in 2014 (Sleep Breath 2014;18(2):235-242). The review focuses on the most recent literature on management of sleep bruxism (SB) with biofeedback. An electronic search was conducted in five databases searching for articles published later than the date of Wang et al's search, viz., October 2012. Six articles of 2320 identified citations involving 86 adult participants were included in the qualitative synthesis. Of them, 4 were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 were uncontrolled before-after studies. Different feedback modalities (electrical, auditory and vibratory stimulus) were investigated. The overall quality of the selected studies was assessed using the GRADE criteria. Due to heterogeneity between studies, the quantitative synthesis was performed out of three RCTs, of which two were retrieved from the previous review. The meta-analysis indicated a non-significant difference in electromyographic-measured SB episodes per hour after one night of contingent electrical stimulation (CES) compared with placebo control, yet a significant difference was shown after five nights of CES. The quality of evidence identified through GRADEpro was from low to moderate, due to imprecision and inconsistency between studies. Qualitative synthesis did not present a reliable reduction in clinical pain levels; however, no substantial sleep disturbances were indicated following the intervention. In conclusion, one of the biofeedback modalities, CES, is effective in reducing SB-related motor activities after a short-term treatment period. However, evidence of long-term effects is lacking. Further longitudinal studies with larger samples are necessary to acknowledge the clinical application of biofeedback.

Oral appliances for managing sleep bruxism in adults: a systematic review from 2007 to 2017.

The review focuses on the last decade of research regarding the use of various oral appliances (OAs) in the management of sleep bruxism (SB) in adults. Sixteen (n = 16) papers of 641 identified citations involving 398 participants were included in the review. Of them, seven were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), seven were uncontrolled before-after studies and two were crossover trials. Analysis of the included articles revealed a high variability of study designs and findings. Generally, the risk of bias was low-to-unclear for RCTs and high for crossover studies, whilst the before-after studies exhibited several structural limitations. Nine studies used polysomnography/polygraphy/electromyography for SB diagnosis, whilst others were based on history taking and clinical examination. Most of them featured small samples and were short term. Of the studies using objective SB evaluations, eight showed positive results for almost every type of OA in reducing SB activity, with a higher decrease for devices that are designed to provide a certain extent of mandibular advancement. Among the studies using a subjective SB evaluation, one demonstrated a significant reduction in SB activity, and additional two showed a myorelaxant effect of OA in SB patients. Although many positive studies support the efficiency of OA treatment for SB, accepted evidence is insufficient to support its role in the long-term reduction of SB activity. Further studies with larger samples and sufficient treatment periods are needed to obtain more acknowledgements for clinical application.

Does pain in the masseter and anterior temporal muscles influence maximal bite force?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in pain and muscle force, and the relationship between them, in patients with muscle pain and bruxism, prior to and after treatment. METHODS: Thirty women with bruxism and myofascial pain (Ia) were included in this study. Sleep bruxism diagnosis was made based on clinical diagnostic criteria, and awake bruxism diagnosis was made by patient questionnaires and the presence of tooth wear. The diagnosis of myofascial pain was established according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC-TMD). Dentulous or partially edentulous patients (rehabilitated with conventional fixed prostheses) were included in the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pain treatment protocol included occlusal splints, patient education, and physiotherapy for 30days. Bite force was measured using a dynamometer at the central incisor and the first molar regions on both sides. The exams were performed at baseline, after 7days, and 30days after treatment. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare patient pain level response among the periods analyzed in the study. Bite force data were submitted to two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, followed by the Tukey HSD test (p<0.05). A simple regression analysis was performed to verify the relation between pain level and bite force. RESULTS: Results revealed that there was a statistical difference in pain level over time for both muscles and sides (p<0.01). In the molar region, the bite force exhibited significantly higher values after 30days of treatment, when compared with the baseline (p<0.001). There was a correlation between pain level and bite force only for the temporal muscle in all periods analyzed (p<0.05). There was no strong correlation in the response level points to support the association of pain and bite force. CONCLUSIONS: Pain level decreased and bite force increased in the molar region after treatment. No strong correlation or dispersion in the relationship between pain levels and bite force was seen in women with myofascial pain and bruxism.

The effect of intermittent use of occlusal splint devices on sleep bruxism: a 4-week observation with a portable electromyographic recording device.

This randomised controlled study investigated the effect of intermittent use of occlusal splints on sleep bruxism compared with that of continuous use by measuring masseter muscle electromyographic activity using a portable electromyographic recording system. Twenty bruxers were randomly allocated to the continuous group and intermittent group. Subjects in the continuous group wore stabilisation splints during sleep for 29 nights continuously, whereas those in the intermittent group wore splints during sleep every other week, that is they used splints on the 1st-7th, 15th-21st and 29th nights. Electromyographic activity of the masseter muscle during sleep was recorded for the following six time points: before (baseline), immediately after, and 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after the insertion of a stabilisation splint. The number of nocturnal masseter electromyographic events, duration and the total activity of sleep bruxism were analysed. In the continuous group, nocturnal masseter electromyographic events were significantly reduced immediately and 1 week after the insertion of the stabilisation splint, and duration was reduced immediately after the insertion (P < 0·05, Dunnett's test), but no reduction was observed at 2, 3 and 4 weeks after insertion. In the intermittent group, nocturnal masseter electromyographic events and duration were significantly reduced immediately after and also 4 weeks after insertion of the stabilisation splint (P < 0·05, Dunnett's test). The obtained results of the present exploratory trial indicate that the intermittent use of stabilisation splints may reduce sleep bruxism activity for a longer period compared with that of continuous use.

Do sleep hygiene measures and progressive muscle relaxation influence sleep bruxism? Report of a randomised controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of sleep hygiene measures combined with relaxation techniques in the management of sleep bruxism (SB) in a double-blind, parallel, controlled, randomised clinical trial design. Sixteen participants (mean ± s.d. age = 39·9 ± 10·8 years) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 8) or to the experimental treatment group (n = 8). Participants belonging to the latter group were instructed to perform sleep hygiene measures and progressive muscle relaxation techniques for a 4-week period. Two polysomnographic recordings, including bilateral masseter electromyographic activity, were made: one prior to the treatment and the other after the treatment period. The number of bruxism episodes per hour, the number of burst per hour and the bruxism time index (i.e. the percentage of total sleep time spent bruxing) were established as outcome variables. No significant differences could be observed between the outcome measures obtained before and after the 4-week period, neither for the sleep bruxism variables nor for the sleep variables. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that there is no effect of sleep hygiene measures together with progressive relaxation techniques on sleep bruxism or sleep over a 4-week observation period.

Long-term use of occlusal appliance has impact on sleep structure.

Acrylic occlusal appliances (OAs) have been used for temporomandibular disorders and sleep bruxism, but the effects of the treatment are still insufficiently evaluated. Two all-night polysomnographic recordings were made in a sleep laboratory on 14 bruxists (9 females and 5 males with mean age of 27·5 years). The measurement included basic polysomnography with additional masseter muscle electromyogram and movement recording (static charge-sensitive bed method) using randomisation. The base night recording was followed by the second study night after 8 weeks regular use of OA. The OA was made on the occlusal surface of the teeth of the upper jaw, and it was used at night time during the study period. With the OA, rapid eye movement sleep changed from 23·3% to 19·6% (P = 0·078), and slow wave sleep increased significantly from 10·2% to 14·7% (P = 0·039). Masseter contraction (MC) episodes occurred with similar frequency (9·7 vs. 10·5 episodes per hour, P = 0·272). The intensity of the rhythmic MC bursts within an episode decreased from 5·5 to 4·4 (P = 0·027). The groups were post hoc divided into responders and non-responders using a 20% change in MC episode per hour as a cut-off point. The results indicated that 43% of bruxists increased activity (negative responders), while 36% decreased (positive responders), and in 21%, there was no change in the level. It is concluded that OA does not have significant feedback inhibition on masseter muscle motor activity during sleep. However, OA may increase slow wave sleep.

A multidisciplinary approach for the rehabilitation of a patient with an excessively worn dentition: a clinical report.

This clinical report describes a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with a severely worn dentition. The treatment included osteotomy and immediate implant placement and loading in the mandible. The definitive restorations were implant- and tooth-supported metal ceramic restorations. These restorations were fabricated with metal occlusal surfaces at an increased occlusal vertical dimension, which provided acceptable esthetics and function.

Reabilitação estética simplificada em dentes anteriores desgastados pelo bruxismo: relato de caso / Simple esthetic restoration of worn anterior teeth due to bruxism: case report

O bruxismo noturno é definido como o ato involuntário de apertar ou ranger os dentes durante o sono, o que tem consequências graves para o aparelho estomatognático, incluindo a abrasão dentária. Restaurações estéticas e funcionais dos dentes desgastados são fundamentais para a reabilitação orofacial. O desenvolvimento de técnicas adesivas permitiu ao clínico novas opções de tratamento para a reabilitação de dentes anteriores desgastados pelo bruxismo. Este relato de caso descreve o diagnóstico e o tratamento de um paciente com dentes anteriores severamente desgastados devido ao bruxismo noturno. Os dentes anteriores foram submetidos ao tratamento restaurador conservador, através de resina composta direta e um guia de silicone fabricados a partir de um modelo previamente encerado. Além disso, um dispositivo interoclusal foi instalada para proteger as restaurações de desgastes no futuro. As vantagens incluem um procedimento de rápida execução, com resultado imediato, boa estética e de baixo custo

Nocturnal bruxism is defined as involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep, which has severe consequences for the stomatognathic apparatus, including tooth abrasion. Esthetic and functional restoration of worn teeth is fundamental for dentofacial rehabilitation. The development of adhesive techniques has provided the clinician with new restorative options for the rehabilitation of worn anterior teeth due to bruxism. This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with severely worn anterior teeth due to nocturnal bruxism. The anterior teeth were submitted to conservative restorative treatment using direct resin composite and a silicone guide fabricated from a wax-up model. In addition, an interocclusal appliance was installed to protect the restorations from future wear. Advantages include a short procedure time, immediate results, good esthetics, and low cost