Abstract
Objective To investigate the short-term effect of treatment with a stabilisation appliance compared with a control appliance in patients of arthrogenous origin.
Design A double blind randomised controlled trial
Intervention 66 patients fulfilling the entry criteria had either a stabilisation appliance fitted which had a smooth flat surface with all supporting teeth in contact, or a control appliance, which did not alter the inter-maxillary relationship. Initial screening, history, clinical examination and final assessment was carried out by one specialist, while the treatments were provided by another. Treatments were evaluated after 10 weeks. In additional to a clinical examination before and after questionnaires were completed by the patients.
Outcome measures Frequency and intensity of the pain were assessed using the questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. A number of clinical signs were also recorded — maximal opening, pain during mandibular movements, muscle and joint tenderness.
Results 33 different outcome measures are reported; 7 achieved statistical significance. Three are shown in the table below. Calculating the NNT for each of these three measures shows that you only need to treat 3 patients with the stabilisation appliance for one additional patient to feel better (subjectively), have reduced daily or constant pain and lateral tenderness.
Conclusion The authors conclude that both stabilisation and control appliance had an effect on TMD pain. There was a more statistically significant effect in the stabilisation group.
Ekberg E, Vallon D, Nilner M. Occlusal appliance therapy in patients with temporomandibular disorders. A double blind controlled study in a short-term perspective. Acta Odontol Scand 1998; 56:122–128
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Address for reprints: EwaCarin Ekberg, Centre for Oral Health Sciences, Carl Gustafs V34, S-21421 Malmo, Sweden
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Juniper, R. Stabilisation appliance improves short term outcomes in TMD. Evid Based Dent 1, 14 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6490038
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6490038