An Integrative Review of the Effect of Clear Aligners Treatment on Patients with Bruxism Related to Masticatory Muscle Pain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/735pvp51Keywords:
Medicine; Masticatory muscle pain; Bruxism; Clear aligner; TMD.Abstract
Bruxism can lead to tooth fractures, abrasion, mobility, denture issues, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), masticatory muscle pain (MMP), fatigue, and hypertrophy. Aligners can cause clenching/bruxism, which increases masticatory muscle activity and worsens TMD symptoms. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of clear aligner therapy on MMP in patients with bruxism. A literature search was conducted in three electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library) for articles published between 2019 and 2024. The selection followed PICO criteria, and studies were included if they addressed the relationship between clear aligner use and muscle activity in patients with bruxism. From an initial 4,836 records, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that while clear aligners may cause general discomfort in all patients, their use in individuals with bruxism is associated with a reduction in MMP, supported by decreased surface electromyographic activity. In conclusion, clear aligner therapy appears to reduce masticatory muscle pain and muscle activity in patients with bruxism.
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