Effect of Occlusal Splint on Head and Neck Muscles in Patients With Bruxism and Myofascial Pain

Launched by ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY · Jul 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how wearing a special dental device called an occlusal splint affects the muscles in the head and neck of people who grind their teeth (a condition called bruxism) and have muscle pain related to jaw problems. The study focuses on patients who have been diagnosed with muscle-related jaw pain and stiffness, often linked to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which affect how the jaw moves and functions. Researchers want to see if using the splint for 12 weeks can reduce pain and improve muscle health by comparing muscle images and symptom reports taken before and after treatment.

To join the study, you need to be an adult who has been diagnosed with muscle-related jaw pain but has not yet received treatment for TMD. The study only includes women and excludes those who have other types of jaw disorders or have already been treated. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will continue their usual splint treatment, and the other will wait without treatment during the study period. Both groups will have muscle scans and symptom questionnaires at the start and end of the 12 weeks to track changes. Importantly, joining the study won’t affect when you start any future treatment you need.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who have presented to the Faculty of Dentistry at Istanbul University with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) complaints, Patients diagnosed with myospasm and/or myofascial pain syndrome in the masseter and/or temporalis muscles prior to treatment, Patients with no physical or mental disabilities, Patients over the age of 18, Patients who have not previously received any treatment for TMD.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with any type of TMD other than masticatory muscle disorders, Patients who have previously received any form of TMD treatment, Patients under the age of 18.