The effect of disocclusion time-reduction therapy to treat chronic myofascial pain: A single group interventional study with 3 year follow-up of 100 cases

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the longevity of reduced disclusion time in treating and removing myofascial pain dysfunction symptoms following the T-Scan-based, immediate complete anterior guidance development (ICAGD) coronoplasty. This measured occlusal adjustment has been shown to reduce the muscle hyperactivity of myofascial pain.Methods:Myofascial pain symptomatic patients were recruited as per the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), including the clinical protocol and assessment instruments outlined by the international RDC/TMD consortium network (version: January 20, 2014) to assess the efficacy of reduced disclusion time in left and right lateral excursions to resolve the myofascial pain symptoms. As per the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 100 cases were treated with ICAGD in three visits, each 1 week apart. Recall disclusion time measurements were recorded every 3 months over 3 years. The RDC/TMD questionnaire was used for symptom assessment at every recall visit. ICAGD brought pretreatment prolonged disclusion time down to <0.4 s, as quantified from T-Scan force and time data records, while the subjects were assessed for symptom relief. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05).Results:Changes in the intensity of many symptoms from reducing the disclusion time to <0.4 s were statistically significant from treatment day 1, and onward through the 3-year period of observation (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The results indicate that ICAGD reduces the musculoskeletal symptoms of myofascial pain, such that this methodology increases clinical therapeutic success.

Evaluation of Disclusion Time in Various Angle’s Malocclusions by T-Scan III System

“…6,19 A successful method for reducing the symptoms is shortening the DT 13 and a reduction in DT to less than 0.5 seconds per excursion has been reported to decrease muscular hyperactivity and their related symptoms. 19,20 In spite of the fact that the prolonged DT (over 0.5 s) of all excursions was detected in our non-TMD subjects, it was explicable by a phenomenon of physiologic tolerance that an individual might have an adaptive capability to malocclusion and functional appearances. 21 During excursions, there should be incisal contacts, which are determined by overbite and overjet, to facilitate an achievement of the anterior guidance and to cause an immediate disclusion of the posterior teeth.…”

Computerised Dynamic Occlusal Study with T-Scan III System in Patients Treated with Stabilisation Splint

“…Thus, treatment based on reducing disclusion time by applying the ICAGD method is a new therapeutic possibility for patients with dysfunction and myofascial pain. After the installation of the stabilisation splint, disclusion times are shortened, creating a new occlusal scheme, and establishing new guides for excursive movements [24].…”

Immediate Complete Anterior Guidance Development (ICAGD) Applied to Post-orthodontic Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Single Interventional Study of 50 Cases

“…[21] It is also probable that the shortened time of contraction requires less work from the muscles, since work = effort × time. [22][23][24][25][26] The T-Scan measures only the relative forces, not the absolute forces. However, EMG activity levels are directly proportional to the force levels.…”