The effect of a bimaxillary occlusion splint (Stressbite® dynamic splint system) on postural control and balance in patients with bruxism

Background: The craniomandibular system (CMS) has a great influence on the musculoskeletal system via neuroanatomical connections. Bruxism is a disorder of the CMS and can therefore negatively affect other parts of the body. Standard therapy includes the preparation of “crunch splints”. Objective: To study the influence of the dynamic dental splint system Stressbite®, on posture and balance in patients with bruxism. Methods: The diagnosis bruxism was made with the Bruxism Status Protocol. The Stressbite was worn at night for six weeks. With the posture analysis system of Misura la Postura the movements of the body center of gravity, the plantar pressure distribution, the cervical spine movement and the posture were recorded at three measuring points. The general and pain condition was recorded with standardized questionnaires. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in cervical mobility. The competence of the musculoskeletal system to stabilize the body’s center of gravity improved but did not show statistical significance. The evaluation of the plantar pressure distribution showed no significant changes without statistically significant changes in posture. The general condition as well as the intensity of pain improved significantly. Discussion: The study could show that there are correlations in the neuromuscularly controlled alignment of body statics and occlusion. The occlusal references changed with the Stressbite system seem to result in positive changes in body statics and cervical mobility. The extent to which the statistically non-significant results are clinically relevant must be further investigated. Conclusion: The Stressbite creats occlusal standard references that significantly improve cervical ROM and pain intensity and have a positive effect on stabilizing of the body’s center of gravity. Further studies are necessary.