Repositioning occlusal splints and NTI-tss in Temporomandibular Joint arthralgia

Objectives: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that the treatment with intraoral devices (occlusal splints and NTI-tss device) is effective in the control of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia. Methods: Sixty individuals with TMJ arthralgia (Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders - RDC/TMD) were randomly divided into three groups, according to the treatment received: a) repositioning occlusal splint and counseling; b) NTI-tss device and counseling and c) only counseling for behavioral changes (control). The devices were used in partial time (only during sleep), and patients were evaluated for pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), presence of joint noises, active mouth opening, TMJ pressure pain threshold (PPT) and level of comfort of intraoral devices after 2, 6 and 12 weeks. The data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA (significance level of 5%). Results: All three groups showed a reduction in pain intensity (p<0.05), although no differences were detected for PPT and joint noises.  Higher level of comfort and an earlier effect on pain reduction were found in the occlusal appliance group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Counseling and occlusal devices seems to be useful in the reduction of TMJ pain in a short-term analysis. Long-term studies with the NTI device are needed to establish its effectiveness and absence of adverse dental effects.