European journal of oral sciences
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The purpose of the study was to examine whether patients' psychosocial profiles differ depending on if the location of pain is in the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint, or both. Eligible participants were 491 consecutive patients examined according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD). Among these a total of 225 adult TMD patients had at least one pain-related TMD diagnosis and were therefore included in this study and completed the multidimensional pain inventory (MPI). ⋯ Although patients with joint pain were significantly more impaired in jaw function, no significant differences in depression, in somatization or in the 11 scales of the MPI were observed. The location of pain in TMD patients is not a major factor for the prediction of psychosocial profiles. Therefore, clinical TMD diagnoses alone form an insufficient basis for tailored behavioural or psychological management.
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The goals of this study were to investigate whether (i) muscle activities are affected by different feedback strategies, (ii) the balancing behavior of the neuromuscular system is influenced by different force levels, and (iii) axial loading of the posterior teeth is a realistic biomechanical conception. In 10 healthy subjects, all jaw muscles were recorded bilaterally. Intra-oral force transfer and force measurement were achieved by using a measuring device simulating natural maximum intercuspation. ⋯ The results indicate an essential recruitment difference of the jaw muscles between the two clenching conditions. Pure axial loading of teeth seems to be impeded by the anterior force component during bilateral clenching. The posterior movement of the RP might prevent overloading of the temporomandibular joints and anterior teeth.