PURPOSE: The occlusal splint has been used for many years as an effective treatment of sleep bruxism. Several methods have been used to evaluate efficiency of the occlusal splints. However, the effect of the occlusal splints on occlusal force has not been clarified sufficiently. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of occlusal splints on maximum occlusal force in patients with sleep bruxism and compare two type of splints that are Bruxogard-soft splint and canine protected hard stabilization splint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve students with sleep bruxism were participated in the present study. All participants used two different occlusal splints during sleep for 6 weeks. Maximum occlusal force was measured with two miniature strain-gage transducers before, 3 and 6 weeks after insertion of occlusal splints. Clinical examination of temporomandibular disorders was performed for all individuals according to the Craniomandibular Index (CMI) before and 6 weeks after the insertion of splints. The changes in mean occlusal force before, 3 and 6 weeks after insertion of both splints were analysed with paired sample t-test. The Wilcoxon test was used for the comparison of the CMI values before and 6 weeks after the insertion of splints. RESULTS: Participants using stabilization splints showed no statistically significant changes in occlusal force before, 3, and 6 weeks after insertion of splint (P>.05) and participants using Bruxogard-soft splint had statistically significant decreased occlusal force 6 weeks after insertion of splint (P<.05). There was statistically significant improvement in the CMI value of the participants in both of the splint groups (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Participants who used Bruxogard-soft splint showed decreases in occlusal force 6 weeks after insertion of splint. The use of both splints led to a significant reduction in the clinical symptoms.
Bite Force* ; Humans ; Occlusal Splints* ; Pilot Projects* ; Sleep Bruxism* ; Splints ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders ; Transducers

The case report describes the occlusal rehabilitation of a male patient with Angle Class III malocclusion and its effect on maximum bite force. The main complaints of patient were masticatory difficulty and poor esthetic. The patient's expectations from the treatment were a good esthetic and function with a less invasive and relatively promptly way. Therefore, increasing of the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) and then restoring the maxillary and mandibular teeth was chosen by the patient among the treatment options. At the beginning of treatment maximum bite force of patient was measured. Then an occlusal splint was provided to evaluate the adaptation of the patient to the altered OVD. Full mouth rehabilitation with metal ceramic restorations was made. After the completion of full mouth restoration, bite force measurement was repeated and patient exhibited increased maximum bite force. Full mouth restorative treatment in a patient with Class III malocclusion could be an effective treatment approach to resolve esthetic concern and to improve masticatory function related to maximum bite force.
Bite Force ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III ; Metal Ceramic Alloys ; Mouth ; Mouth Rehabilitation ; Occlusal Splints ; Tooth ; Vertical Dimension

PURPOSE: Xerostomia can diminish the quality of life, leads to changes in normal chemical composition of saliva and oral microbiata, and increases the risk for opportunistic infections, such as Candida albicans. Various artificial salivas have been considered for patients with xerostomia. However, the knowledge on the antifungal and antiadhesive activity of artificial saliva substitutes is limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate influence of two artificial salivas on the adhesion of Candida albicans to the polymethylmethacrylate disc specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two commercial artificial salivas (Saliva Orthana and Biotene Oral Balance Gel) were selected. 45 polymethylmethacrylate disc specimens were prepared and randomly allocated into 3 groups; Saliva Orthana, Biotene-Oral Balance gel and distilled water. Specimens were stored in the artificial saliva or in the sterile distilled water for 60 minutes at 37degrees C. Then they were exposed to yeast suspensions including Candida albicans. Yeast cells were counted using x40 magnification under a light microscope and data were analysed. RESULTS: Analysis of data indicated statistically significant difference in adhesion of Candida albicans among all experimental groups (P=.000). Findings indicated that Saliva Orthana had higher adhesion scores than the Biotene Oral Balance gel and distilled water (P<.05). CONCLUSION: In comparison of Saliva Orthana, the use of Biotene Oral Balance Gel including lysozyme, lactoferrin and peroxidase may be an appropriate treatment method to prevent of adhesion of Candida albicans and related infections in patients with xerostomia.
Candida albicans* ; Humans ; Lactoferrin ; Muramidase ; Opportunistic Infections ; Peroxidase ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; Quality of Life ; Saliva ; Saliva, Artificial* ; Suspensions ; Water ; Xerostomia ; Yeasts