Effectiveness of a Counseling Program for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Treatment
Temporomandibular Disorders
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Temporomandibular Disorders
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Female individuals
- Positive diagnosis of TMD according to RDC/TMD
- Presence of pain in the orofacial region persisting for at least a week of at least moderate intensity, according to the Numeric Scale of pain
Exclusion Criteria:
- TMD treatment for ongoing pain
- Presence of pulpal or periodontal disease
- Orthodontic treatment in progress
- Daily use of analgesics, antidepressants or muscle relaxants
- History of radiotherapy to the head and neck, or any adverse systemic condition that may favor presentation of symptoms involved
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Counseling Group
Splint Group
Patients allocated to the counseling group (Group I) were informed about possible etiological factors and educated to not overload the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. Techniques to relieve pain and tension were taught to correct postural habits, food and sleep irregularities. The patients received written instructions, as a way of reinforcing the information provided during the initial consultation. In subsequent returns at 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of follow-up, the instructions were given again and patients were asked whether they had detected any habits related to the initiation and maintenance of painful symptoms of TMD, as a way to further highlight the association between the presence of these harmful behaviors and the worsening signs and symptoms of TMD.
Patients allocated to the splint group (Group II) were treated using interocclusal appliances, according to the following protocol: At baseline, an anterior bite plate (front-plateau) was made from acrylic resin that was placed in the maxillary arch to include the the canine to canine region and promote the disocclusion of the posterior teeth. Patients were instructed to use the device for 24 hours, interspersed with rests of equal length during the first week. After 7 days, the device was removed. A hard splint was then made. At 30 days of follow-up, the splint was fitted and the patients were also asked to use it when they were sleeping.