A new biofeedback approach for the control of masseter and temporal myalgia: Utilization of an awake posterior interocclusal device.

Objective

To evaluate the improvement in reducing the pain of patients diagnosed with masticatory myofascial pain and bruxism when undergoing treatment with a partial posterior interocclusal device for the management and control of awake bruxism through biofeedback.

Methods

Sixty patients were evaluated during the following periods: pretreatment, 7, 30, and 90 days. The evaluation was carried out by measuring the reduction in pain using clinical and numerical scales.

Results

The majority of the patients who complained of masticatory myofascial pain, TMJ, and neck pain experienced a significant reduction in pain between t0 and t30 (p < 0.0001). After 30 days of using the device, the improvement remained at the same level, without any recurrence of pain up to t90.

Conclusion

The utilization of a posterior interocclusal device for the management and control of awake bruxism through biofeedback contributed to the reduction of pain in the majority of patients.