Efecto de las férulas oclusales en la disfunción temporomandibar: revisión sistemática / Effect of occlusal splints on temporomandibular dysfunctions: systematic review

Los TMD son patologías que se presentan con frecuencia en nuestro medio, las causas van asociadas a factores como interferencias oclusales, problemas articulares, estrés y otras etiologías que provocan inestabilidad del sistema estomatognático; desencadenando una serie de problemas, con una manifestación común, encontrada a lo largo de esta revisión bibliográfica, el dolor. Objetivo: Analizar si las férulas oclusales controlan el dolor relacionado con trastornos temporomandibulares. Materiales y Métodos: Revisión sistemática, protocolo PRISMA, artículos científicos en plataforma electrónicas PUBLIMED, MEDLINE, WEB SCIENCE, SCOPUS, COCHRANE LIBRARY, 2009 a 2018, bases complementarias SCIELO, REDILYC, LATINDEX. Muestra total n = 59 artículos tamizaje, selección definitiva n= 13 artículos que cumplen los criterios de inclusión como palabras claves (Férulas, férulas oclusales, trastorno de la articulación temporomandibular, síndrome de disfunción de articulación temporomandibular); de los cuales 5 artículos son de estudio transversal y 8 caso y control. Resultados: n=13 artículos observacionales, casos y control, que indican en sus conclusiones que las férulas oclusales tienen un efecto positivo en los pacientes con trastornos temporomandibulares, disminuyendo considerablemente la sintomatología. Discusión: las férulas oclusales se consideran tratamientos placebos, que deben ser complementados con otras alternativas terapéuticas. Conclusión: Las férulas oclusales son dispositivos eficientes que cumplen con el objetivo de controlar la sintomatología en los pacientes que padecen trastornos temporomandibulares (AU)

The tempomandibular disorders are pathologies that occur frequently in our environment, the causes are associated with factors such as occlusal interference, joint problems, stress and other etiologies that cause instability of the stomatognathic system; triggering a series of problems, with a common manifestation, found throughout this bibliographic review, pain. Aims: To test whether occlusal splints control pain related to temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Systematic review, PRISMA protocol, scientific articles on electronic platforms PUBLIMED, MEDLINE, WEB SCIENCE, SCOPUS, COCHRANE LIBRARY, 2009 to 2018, complementary bases SCIELO, REDILYC, LATINDEX. Total sample no. 59 sieving items, definitive selection n=13 articles that meet the criteria of inclusion as keywords (splints, occlusal splints, temporomandibular joint disorder, joint dysfunction syndrome temporomandibular). Results: n=13 observational articles, cases and control, indicating in their conclusions that occlusal splints have a positive effect in patients with temporomandibular disorders, considerably decreasing symptomatology. Discussion: Occlusal splints are considered placebo treatments, which should be supplemented with other therapeutic alternatives. Conclusion.Occlusal splints are efficient devices that meet the goal of controlling symptomatology in patients with temporomandibular disorders (AU)

[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome : CPAP or Mandibular Advancement Device?] / Syndrome d'apnées obstructives du sommeil : CPAP ou orthèse d'avancement mandibulaire ?

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a respiratory disorder affecting up to 49 % and 23 % of middle to older aged men and women respectively. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the gold-standard treatment for severe apneas. In mild and moderate forms of OSAS, mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are equally a first line of treatment. Both CPAP and MAD have their advantages and side effects. Patient tolerance to these two therapies varies according to different patient-parameters. In order to guide physicians and patients in choosing between these two treatments, we present a description of both treatment modalities.

Le syndrome d'apnées obstructives du sommeil (SAOS) est un trouble respiratoire du sommeil qui affecte jusqu'à 49 % des hommes et 23 % des femmes d'âge moyen à avancé. La ventilation en pression positive continue (CPAP) est actuellement le traitement de choix pour les cas sévères. Dans les stades léger et modéré de SAOS, l'orthèse d'avancement mandibulaire (OAM) est également un traitement que l'on peut proposer en première intention. La CPAP comme l'OAM ont leurs avantages et leurs inconvénients. La tolérance pour ces deux thérapies varie d'un patient à l'autre. Afin de guider le praticien et le patient dans le choix de ces deux traitements, nous proposons une description des deux modalités thérapeutiques.

Oral appliance therapy versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial on temporomandibular side-effects.

PURPOSE: To assess the differences in the frequency of clinical signs of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain and mandibular function impairment between mandibular advancement device (MAD) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapies in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients at baseline and after 6 month of treatment. METHODS: This study concerns a secondary analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial in which different treatment effects of an objectively titrated MAD were compared with those of nCPAP and an intra-oral placebo appliance in a parallel design. Sixty-four mild to severe OSA patients (52.0 ± 9.6 years) were randomly assigned to these three groups. All patients underwent a shortened functional examination of their masticatory system at baseline and after 6 months to establish the presence of clinical signs of TMD pain. Mandibular function impairment was assessed with a questionnaire. RESULTS: Clinical signs of TMD pain were only rarely present at baseline and therapy evaluation. No significant differences were found between the three groups in the (low) frequency of clinical signs of TMD pain at both time points (p = .401-.176). In addition, the (low) scores of mandibular function impairment did not differ between the three groups either, neither at baseline (p = .744) nor after 6 months (p = .359). CONCLUSIONS: A low frequency of clinical signs of TMD pain in mild to severe OSA patients was found after 6 months, regardless of treatment with MAD or nCPAP. In addition, no difference in mandibular function impairment was observed between the different treatment modalities.

Subjective versus objective dental side effects from oral sleep apnea appliances.

PURPOSE: Occlusal changes are common during long-term treatment with oral appliances (OAs) for sleep apnea. The aim of the present study was to compare subjectively reported bite changes with objective findings. METHODS: Consecutive adherent treated patients were asked to participate in this study. The patients responded to two questionnaires using numeric visual analogue scales (VAS), ranging from 0 (not at all) to 10 (very much). The first questionnaire included open questions and the second questionnaire comprised specific questions about side effects. Measurements of overjet, overbite, and space for the teeth were made on plaster casts taken before treatment start and at follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (12 women) patients with a median age of 64 years (interquartile range (IQR) 57 to 69 years) and a median treatment time of 9.5 years (IQR 5.8 to 14.3 years) were included. Overjet, overbite, the molar relationship, and the irregularity of the lower front teeth had changed significantly during treatment. There were no associations between any of the patients' responses and the objectively measured bite changes. Younger patients, those with a small baseline overjet or overbite and those who developed an anterior crossbite were more likely to report bite changes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who choose to continue long-term treatment with oral appliances for sleep apnea are unaware of various types of bite changes. Such changes will, however, progressively increase in magnitude and be more difficult to take care of, if needed. It is therefore important continuously to follow up patients in regard to bite changes.

Mandibular advancement splints for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition which requires a comprehensive chronic disease management model, rather than a device-focused approach, so as to achieve the best possible health outcomes. Oral appliances are the main alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of OSA. There has been an expansion of the research evidence to support the use of oral appliances in clinical practice and the clinical use of oral appliances for the treatment of OSA has become a mainstream practice.Areas covered: This review summarizes the evidence base for the use of oral appliances for the treatment of OSA. The types of oral appliances; their mechanism of action and clinical efficacy for the treatment of OSA; adverse effects, and the impact on patient acceptability and treatment adherence; and clinical effectiveness and health outcomes are discussed.Expert opinion: Personalization of treatment is vitally important in OSA and is a pre-requisite for optimizing adherence with treatment which, in turn, is a key determinant of clinical effectiveness. Treatment of OSA with mandibular advancement splints could provide an equivalent health benefit to CPAP despite not achieving a complete normalization of polysomnographic indices, mediated by differences in adherence profiles.

Férula multifunción en paciente adulto / Multifunction splint in an adult patient

RESUMEN Introducción: El bruxismo del sueño es una parafunción que afecta a más del 20 por ciento de la población en general, produce trastornos en el aparato estomatognático y el resto del organismo. Su multicausalidad dificulta su diagnóstico, control y tratamiento, sobre todo cuando está asociado con el hábito de respiración bucal. Existen aditamentos que son utilizados como coadyuvantes del tratamiento en ambas entidades por separado, pero se torna aún más difícil cuando están combinadas. Objetivo: Comprobar la efectividad de una férula multifunción en el bruxismo del sueño asociado al hábito de respiración bucal. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 42 años de edad, con antecedentes de faringitis a repetición y de hipertrofia de adenoides, que acude a la consulta de Trastornos Témporo Mandibulares de la Facultad de Estomatología "Raúl González Sánchez", quien refiere apretamiento de las mandíbulas cuando duerme y dolores en músculos de la cara al despertar. A través de la anamnesis, el examen clínico intrabucal y extrabucal y de diferentes maniobras clínicas, se observó sintomatología relacionada con bruxismo del sueño céntrico combinado con hábito de respiración bucal. Conclusiones: Con la colocación de la férula multifunción se logró disminuir la sintomatología por la cual asistió a consulta el paciente(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sleep bruxism, a parafunctional habit affecting more than 20 percent of the general population, causes disorders in the stomatognathic system and the rest of the body. Its multicausality makes its diagnosis, control and treatment difficult, particularly when it is associated with mouth breathing. Devices have been created which may be used for the treatment of either condition separately, but therapy becomes more complicated when the two are present. Objective: Verify the effectiveness of a multifunction splint for the treatment of sleep bruxism associated with mouth breathing. Clinical case: A male 42-year-old patient with a history of recurrent pharyngitis and adenoid hypertrophy presents at the temporomandibular disorders service of Raúl González Sánchez Dental School and reports tightening of his jaws during sleep and facial muscle pain upon awakening. Anamnesis, intraoral and extraoral clinical examination, and various clinical maneuvers reveal symptoms of centric sleep bruxism combined with mouth breathing. Conclusions: Placement of a multifunction splint reduced the symptoms that had prompted the patient to attend consultation(AU)

Heat-moulded versus custom-made mandibular advancement devices for obstructive sleep apnoea: a randomised non-inferiority trial.

RATIONALE: Custom-made mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are reported as providing higher efficacy rates compared with thermoplastic heat-moulded MADs but at the price of higher costs and treatment delays. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a thermoplastic heat-moulded titratable MAD (ONIRIS; ONIRIS SAS, Rueil Malmaison, France) is non-inferior to a custom-made acrylic titratable MAD (TALI; ONIRIS SAS, Rueil Malmaison, France) for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). METHODS: We conducted a multicentre, open, randomised controlled trial of patients with OSA refusing or not tolerating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Participants were randomly assigned to a thermoplastic heat-moulded titratable device or a custom-made acrylic device for 2 months with stratification by centre and OSA severity. The non-inferiority primary outcome was a ≥50% reduction in apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) or achieving AHI <10 events/hour at 2 months. The non-inferiority margin was preset as a difference between groups of 20% for the primary outcome in the per-protocol analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Of 198 patients (mean age 51 [SD, 12] years; 138 [72.6%] men; mean body mass index 26 [SD, 2.7] kg/m2; mean AHI 26.6/hour [SD, 10.4]), 100 received TALI and 98 ONIRIS. In per-protocol analysis, the response rate was 51.7% in the TALI group versus 53.6% in the ONIRIS group (absolute difference 1.9%; 90% CI: 11% to 15%, within the non-inferiority margin). Effectiveness was the same for severity, symptoms, quality of life and blood pressure reduction. Patients in ONIRIS group reported more side effects and adherence was slightly better with TALI. CONCLUSION: In patients with OSA refusing or not tolerating CPAP, the thermoplastic heat-moulded titratable MAD was non-inferior in the short-term to the custom-made acrylic MAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02348970.

Long-term dental and skeletal effects of mandibular advancement devices in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to clarify whether there are any significant long-term sequelae to wearing mandibular advancement devices focusing on dental and skeletal effects in adults with OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SAGE Journals. Hand searches and grey literature were also used. A piloted data collection form was used to extract the appropriate data. RESULTS: Twenty-three reports of 19 studies were included. Five had serious risk of bias while 18 had moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed a significant change in overbite and overjet. I-squared analysis showed a high level of statistical heterogeneity. A moderate correlation was found between wear time and amount of change. CONCLUSION: Mandibular advancement devices will cause a small but statistically significant change in the dentition of long-term wearers. Skeletal changes are generally secondary to dental changes.

Unintended changes to the occlusion following the provision of night guards.

A review of the literature on night guards left questions unanswered about the risk and possible causes of occlusal derangement linked to night guard design and use. Cases are presented where night guard use resulted in anterior open bite and associated occlusal derangement. The aetiology of the occlusal changes observed is discussed. It is concluded that adverse occlusal effects linked to the use of night guards may be found to be more common than anticipated from existing literature. Patient follow-up is essential to monitor the use and effects of night guards, and regardless of appliance type, unintended occlusal changes may result. The use and effects of partial coverage appliances require very careful monitoring. Suggestions are provided for information and written instructions to be given to patients provided with night guards and removable orthodontic retainers.

Freely available or over-the-counter occlusal splints obtainable in commercial outlets: a reality dentists should know

Aim and objective: bruxism is defined by The american sleep disorders association as "tooth grinding during sleep plus tooth wear, sounds or jaw muscle discomfort in absence of medical disorder. people are obtaining over the counter splints (OTC) as a possible alternative to manage bruxism without the need for dental assessment. the aim of this study is survey OTC bruxism splints available in Chile through the internet or other commercial outlets, categorize their characteristics, claims, safety warnings and contrast it with scientific evidence. materials and methods: an internet search was made for OTC bruxism splints available in Chile. only chilean domains were evaluated. information recorded was manufacture, name of the device, splint design, material, adjustability, price, claims and safety warnings. results: five devices were found in our search. only one is from a chilean laboratory, being the most accessible. all devices have a full coverage splint design. the material made of is only described in one and their prices in the market are very dissimilar. the most usual advertising was "eliminate bruxism. stop night-time Grinding & Clenching". two manufactures suggest that the device will help to sleep better. no manufacture provided a guide for how long each day the splint must be worn. conclusion: dentists should be aware to keep this market in mind when reviewing patients if there have been unexplained occlusal changes or other problems. bruxism is often a long-term problem and with any type of bruxism appliance the importance of regular review by a professional is critical.

Distraction of the temporomandibular joint condyle in patients with unilateral non-reducing disc displacement: Fact or fiction?

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the distractive effect of a unilateral pivot splint on patients with unilateral disc displacement without reduction. METHODS: The study group was comprised of 18 patients who had no history of treatment with removable prosthetic restorations of molars, premolars, or canine teeth, and no previous treatment for temporomandibular disorder. Joint spaces measurements made on magnetic resonance images indicated the affected side to be narrower than the healthy side. Unilateral distraction splints were made for all patients. An ultrasonic motion analyzer was used to measure the vertical shift occurring on the affected side as patients closed their mouths with maximal force with the splint in their mouths. RESULTS: Closing with maximal force on the unilateral distraction splint led to a noticeable downward movement of the affected condyle. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study indicate that the TMJ condyle of patients with unilateral disc displacement without reduction may be unilaterally distracted if the articular space is narrowed.

Disminución de la permeabilidad de la vía aérea con el uso de dispositivos intraorales estabilizadores en pacientes con trastornos respiratorios del sueño: una revisión de la literatura / Decreased airway permeability with the use of occlusal stabilization splints in patients with sleep-disordered breathing: a literature review

RESUMEN: Introducción: Los dispositivos intraorales o planos estabilizadores son actualmente indicados indiscriminadamente por el dentista, aun cuando su valor terapéutico es controversial y poco se sabe de sus posibles efectos secundarios. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron publicaciones que incluyeran pacientes con diagnóstico polisomnográfico de Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño que hayan sido tratados con un dispositivo estabilizador controlado mediante polisomnografía, o bien, que hayan sido usados como sujeto control con un dispositivo sin avance mandibular en estudios que evaluaran la eficacia de los dispositivos de avance mandibular. Resultados: Se encontraron 6 artículos que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Cuando los resultados se consideraban de manera grupal, el cambio en el Índice de Apnea/Hipopnea o Índice de Eventos Respiratorios no era significativo estadísticamente, pero si se analizaba caso a caso, existían pacientes en los que estos valores aumentaban de manera violenta. Conclusión: Aunque un empeoramiento de los índices no es un efecto secundario en todos los pacientes con apnea del sueño, el riesgo en aquellos que lo sufren puede determinar un empeoramiento importante de su condición médica. Es posible que el uso de dispositivos de estabilización esté contraindicado en pacientes que presenten trastornos respiratorios del sueño.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Frequently, the oral devices or stabilization splints are indiscriminately indicated by the dentist, even when its therapeutic value is controversial and there is poor knowledge about its possible side effects. Material and Method : We reviewed in Pubmed and Ebsco-Host all the publications that included patients with polysomnographic diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who were being treated with stabilization splints and controlled by polysomnography, or patients who were used as control subjects with stabilization splints in studies evaluating mandibular advancement devices (MAD) effectiveness. Results: Six publications met the inclusion criteria. They all describe that when the results of the study were considered as a group, the changes in the Apnea/Hypopnea Index or in the Respiratory Disturbance Index were considered as not statistically significant, but if each case was studied individually some patients experimented a violent increase of these values. Conclusion: Although the increase of index is not a side effect in all patients, the risk in those who experimented it can determinate an important aggravation of a medic condition. It´s possible that there´s There may be a contraindication in the use of stabilization splints in patients with sleep respiratory disorders.

Laser Therapy and Occlusal Stabilization Splint for Temporomandibular Disorders in Patients With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized, Clinical Trial.

Context • Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) report frequent and severe symptoms from temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The appropriate treatment of TMDs remains controversial. No studies have occurred on the efficacy of therapy with a laser or an occlusal stabilization splint in the treatment of TMDs in patients with FMS. Objective • The study intended to investigate the therapeutic effects of laser therapy and of an occlusal stabilization splint for reducing pain and dysfunction and improving the quality of sleep in patients with TMDs and FMS. Design • The research team designed a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Setting • The study took place in the research laboratory at the University of Granada (Granada, Spain). Participants • Participants were 58 women and men who had been diagnosed with FMS and TMDs and who were referred from the clinical setting. Intervention • Participants were randomly assigned to the occlusal-splint or the laser group. The laser group received a treatment protocol in which laser therapy was applied to the participant's tender points, and the occlusal-splint group underwent a treatment protocol in which an occlusal stabilization splint was used. Both groups underwent treatment for 12 wk. Outcomes Measures • Pain intensity, widespread pain, quality of sleep, severity of symptoms, active and passive mouth opening, and joint sounds were assessed in both groups at baseline and after the last intervention. The measurements used were (1) a visual analogue scale (VAS), (2) the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), (3) the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), (4) the Patient's Global Impression of Change (PGIC), (5) the Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Questionnaire Index (PSQI), (6) an assessment of the number of tender points, (7) a measurement of the active mouth opening, (8) a measurement of the vertical overlap of the incisors, and (9) the measurement of joint sounds during mouth opening and closing. Results • The group X time interaction for the 2 × 2 mixed analysis of variance found no statistically significant differences between the 2 treatment groups: (1) VAS, P = .591; (2) WPI, P = .112; (3) SSS, P = .227; (4) PGIC, P = .329; (5) number of tender points, P = .107; (6) right and left clicking sounds in the jaw joint during palpation at mouth opening, P = .723 and P = .121, respectively; and (7) right and left clicking sounds in the jaw joint during palpation at mouth closing, P = .743 and P = .698, respectively. Compared with baseline, the laser treatment showed significant improvements on several outcomes, including the VAS, P < .001; WPI, P = .003; and SSS, P = .001. Overall, the study found an average improvement in symptoms from baseline of 21% , P < .001, based on the PGIC. Conclusions • Laser therapy or an occlusal stabilization splint can be an alternative therapeutic treatment for reducing pain symptoms and the clicking sound for TMDs in patients with FMS.

Efecto de los dispositivos oclusales sobre la vía aérea en pacientes con bruxismo / Effects of occlusal splints on upper airway in bruxism therapy

Objetivo Para el manejo de los trastornos temporomandibulares y del bruxismo de sueño (BS) se ha recurrido durante años a los dispositivos oclusales rígidos superiores (DORS). Estos dispositivos podrían modificar la posición de la mandíbula induciendo una posición más posterior de la lengua y del hueso hioides, comprometiendo la permeabilidad de la vía aérea superior y agravando los trastornos respiratorios del sueño. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar el cambio de las dimensiones lineales y de área de la luz de la vía aérea faríngea en pacientes diagnosticados con BS que estén usando un DORS, mediante una telerradiografía lateral. Metodología Se reclutaron 20 pacientes del Hospital de Carabineros, de ambos sexos, diagnosticados con BS probable manejados con un DORS, a los cuales se les tomó una telerradiografía lateral sin DORS y otra con DORS sin modificar la postura para evitar distorsiones por posición craneocervical. Se analizó el área y profundidad faríngea por medio de cefalometría para medir el espacio faríngeo. Resultados Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la disminución del área de la orofaringe (promedio: 41,2 mm2, p = 0,035) y la profundidad al nivel del gonion (promedio: 0,38 mm, p = 0,019) y la úvula (promedio: 1,38 mm, p = 0,009). No se encontró correlación entre el aumento de la dimensión vertical y las diferencias dimensionales. Conclusión Bajo las condiciones de este estudio el uso de un DORS produce una tendencia a la disminución del área y profundidad orofaríngea.

Objective The use of the superior rigid occlusal splint (SROS) has been used to management temporomandibular disorders and sleep bruxism for many years. These SROS could change the mandibular position leading to a more posterior position of the tongue and hyoids bone, and compromising the upper airway flow permeability and make sleep-breathing disorders worse. The aim of this study is to evaluate the linear and area changes of lumen in patients with sleep bruxism who are using a SROS, measured by lateral teleradiograph. Methodology The study included 20 patients, of both sexes, from the Hospital de Carabineros, Chile, who were diagnosed with probable sleep bruxism due to using and SROS. The cephalometric analysis was performed of the area and pharyngeal depth in order to measure the pharyngeal space, by obtaining a lateral teleradiograph without SROS and a second teleradiograph using SROS, at the same time, to avoid dimensional variation due to possible craniocervical positional changes. Results A statistical significance was found for oropharynx reduction (mean: 41.2 mm2, P = .035), for the gonion linear depth (mean: 0.38 mm, P = .019), and at uvula level (mean: 1.83 mm, P = .009). No correlations were found between the increasing vertical dimensions using SROS and pharyngeal spaces. Conclusion The using of a superior occlusal splint (SROS) could reduce the oropharyngeal depth and space.

Retrospective study of clinical complications during orthodontic treatment with either a removable mandibular acrylic splint Herbst or with a cantilever Herbst.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical complications during treatment with either a removable mandibular acrylic splint (RMS) or with a cantilever (HC) Herbst appliance. METHODS: Records from 159 Class II, division 1, consecutively treated patients with a Herbst appliance were examined. The sample was composed of 82 male and 77 female patients with a mean age of 11.8 years. The Herbst appliance was used for a mean of 12 months (standard deviation 2.15 months). Two main Herbst groups were analyzed: group RMS (n  =  125) and group HC (n  =  34). They were further subdivided according to the telescopic system used (Dentaurum type 1 or PMA) and fixation mode (splint with crowns or Grip Tite bands). Patients' clinical records were assessed to identify clinical complications. RESULTS: The incidence of complications during treatment was 85.3% for the HC group and 88.0% for the RMS group, with no statistically significant difference (Mann-Whitney test, P > .05). The fixation mode (crown or band) also did not show a statistically significant difference (P > .05). Regarding the telescopic system used, the Dentaurum group had 2.9 times more susceptibility to complications than the PMA group, regardless of the Herbst type. CONCLUSIONS: On average, approximately 2.5 complications per patient were reported. Most patients had a maximum of three complications during Herbst treatment. Herbst appliance type (RMS or HC) and fixation mode (crowns or Grip Tite bands) did not influence the number of complications. The PMA (without screws) telescopic system seemed to be more reliable (regarding the number of complications) than Dentaurum type 1, regardless of the appliance design (RMS or HC).

Over-the-counter (OTC) bruxism splints available on the Internet.

BACKGROUND: Some individuals may now be bypassing their dentists for treatment of bruxism. Self-diagnosed, self-adjusted and self-monitored consumers can access over-the-counter (OTC) bruxism splints via the Internet. While some may regard this market as benefiting consumers there are potential pitfalls that need to be highlighted. These include unevidenced claims of efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To survey OTC bruxism splints available to individuals in the UK via the Internet, categorise their characteristics, and determine any web-based claims or safety warnings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Internet search was made of OTC bruxism splints available in the UK. The following information was recorded for each OTC splint: the name of the manufacturer, name of the device, its UK price and any claims and safety warnings made either on a major UK retail website or via other UK web retail outlets. In addition, a note was made of any web-based mention of 'CE marking', indicating compliance with the EC Medical Devices Directive's requirements for safety, quality and performance. RESULTS: Safety information is notable for its paucity and is totally lacking on many Internet sites. However, manufacturers are not obliged to display safety information on the Internet, but it must be provided with the product. A search of the MAUDE database showed a number of potentially serious adverse events associated with these splints including choking hazards, tissue damage and occlusal changes. None of the splint designs assure full occlusal coverage. CONCLUSIONS: As with any partial coverage appliance, if worn for protracted periods there may be a risk of unwanted tooth movement. Dentists should report or assist patients with reporting suspected adverse events with OTC splints to the relevant competent authority. In the UK this is the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Orthodontic occlusal reconstruction after conservative treatment of unicystic ameloblastoma in an adolescent patient: 10-year follow-up.

Conservative treatment of an ameloblastoma often requires an occlusal reconstruction. In this article, we report the successful interdisciplinary treatment of a 14-year-old girl with a unicystic ameloblastoma in the mandible. One year after the marsupialization, enucleation with bone curettage was performed with extraction of the impacted third molar, but the proximal second molar could be maintained. The conservative treatment required long-term use of an obturator, and it caused a total open bite. Additionally, the patient genetically had a Class II malocclusion with severe crowding. Consequently, orthodontic treatment was performed after 4 premolar extractions. There was no recurrence of the ameloblastoma 10 years after the enucleation.

Effects of occlusal stabilization splints on obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To assess the influence of occlusal stabilization splints on sleep-related respiratory variables in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. METHODS: Ten OSA patients (47.3 ± 11.7 years of age) received a stabilization splint in the maxilla. All patients underwent three polysomnographic recordings with their splint in situ, and three recordings without their splint in situ, using a randomized crossover design. RESULTS: Repeated-measures ANOVAs did not yield statistically significant differences in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) or in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), neither between the three nights without the stabilization splint (AHI: F = 2.757, P = .090; ESS: F = 0.153, P = .860) nor between the nights with the splint in situ (AHI: F = 0.815, P = .458; ESS: F = 0.231, P = .796). However, independent ANOVAs revealed that the mean AHI of the three nights with the stabilization splint in situ (17.4 ± 7.0 events/hour) was significantly higher than that of the nights without the splint in situ (15.9 ± 6.4 events/hour) (F = 7.203, P = .025). The mean increase in AHI with the splint in situ was 1.4 ± 1.7 (95% confidence interval = -1.9-4.7). No difference in ESS was found when both conditions were compared (F = 1.000, P = .343). CONCLUSION: The use of an occlusal stabilization splint is associated with a risk of aggravation of OSA; however, the effect size was small, which reduces the clinical relevance of the study.

Special consideration regarding the assessment and management of patients being treated with mandibular advancement oral appliance therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

This position paper, as developed by a Task Force of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain on Mandibular Advancement Oral Appliance Therapy for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea, contains recommendations for dentists engaged in the management of patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea utilizing mandibular advancement oral appliances. The recommendations are supported by current scientific evidence, published standards and guidelines, and expert panel consensus. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects millions of people. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is recognized as an effective therapy for many with primary snoring and mild to moderate OSA, as well as those with more severe OSA who cannot tolerate positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies. Dentists are playing a much larger role in the screening and management of patients with snoring and OSA as part of a multi-disciplinary team. It is also recognized that OAT has the potential to cause untoward side effects, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction. The present paper highlights the need for dentists who manage patients using mandibular advancement OAT to be competent in the assessment, diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and craniofacial pain disorders. The authors of this article are all clinically engaged in the management of patients with snoring and OSA, and reached consensus based on their review of the current evidence, published guidelines and clinical experience. It is the opinion of the authors that dentists experienced and knowledgeable in the assessment, diagnosis and management of TMD and craniofacial pain applying this knowledge to the management of patients with snoring and OSA using OAT will provide their patients with the best prognosis and most successful treatment outcomes.