The effect of an interocclusal appliance on bite force and masseter electromyography in asymptomatic subjects and patients with temporomandibular pain and dysfunction

The aims of this study were to assess the effect of clenching with or without the presence of an interocclusal appliance (IOA) on bite force (BF) and masseter electromyography (EMG) in patients with temporomandibular pain dysfunction disorders (TMPD) and to compare these results with an asymptomatic age- and gender-matched control group. Ten patients with TMPD (mean age 26.9 years) were compared with eight healthy controls (mean age 25.3 years). Bilateral masseter EMG activity was recorded at rest, while clenching on the BF meter, while clenching on an IOA and while clenching on an IOA together with the BF meter. Significant left to right EMG activity asymmetry was found in the patient group at rest and during multiple clenching tasks in the control group. The patient group had significantly greater EMG activity at rest than controls. For all other tasks, the control group EMG activity was greater than the patient group. Use of an IOA significantly decreased EMG activity in both patient and control groups. BF was significantly greater in the control group on the right side for the different clenching tasks. Insertion of the IOA significantly increased BF in the control group. The results of this study indicate differences in EMG activity and BF during different clenching tasks and between patients with TMPD and asymptomatic subjects.