The Journal of prosthetic dentistry
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Comparative Study
Comparison of chin and jaw movements during gum chewing.
Knowledge of mastication is based on studies that use jaw tracking equipment in nonroutine settings. Ethologists would argue that such data probably does not reflect routine masticatory function. If jaw movements could be tracked noninvasively, then the hypothesis that jaw tracking equipment and nonroutine settings alter mastication could be investigated. ⋯ Chin and jaw movements were correlated during chewing; however, only chewing rate was highly predictable from chin movement data.
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Comparative Study
The short-term effect of stabilization-type splints on local cross-sectional dimensions of muscles of the head and neck.
Patients with temporomandibular disorders may have a cluster of joint and muscle disorders characterized primarily by pain, joint sounds, and irregular or deviating jaw function. ⋯ This study suggests that stabilization-type splints are effective in the reduction of local muscle thicknesses and asymmetries. Further studies are necessary to evaluate muscle-site specific effects in patient and nonpatient groups and to relate these effects to variables such as bite force, preferred chewing side, facial structure, and occlusion.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
A pilot study comparing the efficacy of hard and soft stabilizing appliances in treating patients with temporomandibular disorders.
Soft and hard stabilizing appliances have been used to treat temporomandibular disorders. No data exist to suggest whether a hard or soft appliance is beneficial. ⋯ This study suggests, based on the limited number of participants, that soft and hard stabilizing appliances may be equally useful in reducing masticatory muscle pain in short-term appliance therapy.
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Controversy continues in the area of epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The field is replete with testimonials and clinical opinion, but it has been lacking in scientific foundation. ⋯ Because little is known about the natural course of the various classifications of temporomandibular disorders, and because most treatment approaches are reported to be equally effective, a conservative, noninvasive management program is endorsed. The emphasis is on a medical multidisciplinary model similar to ones used for other musculoskeletal disorders that involve the patient in the physical and behavioral management of his or her own problem. This article concludes that a majority of temporomandibular disorder patients achieve good relief of symptoms with noninvasive reversible therapy.
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There is a lack of long-term follow-up studies that involve post-motor vehicle accident temporomandibular disorders and compensation. ⋯ Jaw, head and neck pain, and jaw dysfunction continued to be problems for the majority of this patient population, regardless of litigation status in this retrospective study.