Effects of stabilization appliances on nocturnal parafunctional activities in patients with and without signs of temporomandibular disorders

This study was designed to investigate the short-term effects of stabilization appliances on parafunctional oral motor behaviour (bruxing and clenching) during sleep in patients with and without signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Results revealed that stabilization appliances do not stop nocturnal parafunctional activities in both groups of patients. Active wear facets on the guide ramps of appliances were created by bilateral mandibular excursions. The extension of these facets indicate that the mandible moves laterally far beyond the edge-to-edge contact relationship of the canines during eccentric bruxism. Results also indicate that, with the exception of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicks, stabilization appliance therapy is effective in eliminating the signs of TMD evaluated.