IADR Abstract Archives
Comparative Effectiveness of Occlusal Splints and low-Level Laser Therapy in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: a Systematic Review.
Objectives: The aim of this review was to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) versus occlusal splints in patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
Methods: A systematic search of the Pubmed database was performed using the following Mesh words: « Temporomandibular Joint Disorders », « Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome », « Low-Level Light Therapy » and « occlusal splints ». Only reports of randomized controlled trials (RCT) published in French or English were selected.
Results: A total of 5 RCT were included. Most of the articles studied the effect of both treatments on myofascial pain syndrome (n=141 subjects). Only one article concerned articular TMD (n=40 subjects). Different types of lasers were assessed (NdYAG or diode laser). The wavelengths ranged from 808 to 1064 nm and the energy levels ranged from 50 to 500mW. The occlusal splints used were mostly stabilization splints. The main outcome for most of the studies was pain. The majority of articles concluded that LLLT is as effective as occlusal splints in pain relief and functional enhancement in patients with TMD.
Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that both LLLT and occlusal splints effectively relieve pain and improve functional outcomes in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. However due to the heterogeneity of laser parameters, the variety of pathologies studied and the short follow-up periods, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the long-term results and benefits of both treatments in patients with TMD.
Methods: A systematic search of the Pubmed database was performed using the following Mesh words: « Temporomandibular Joint Disorders », « Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome », « Low-Level Light Therapy » and « occlusal splints ». Only reports of randomized controlled trials (RCT) published in French or English were selected.
Results: A total of 5 RCT were included. Most of the articles studied the effect of both treatments on myofascial pain syndrome (n=141 subjects). Only one article concerned articular TMD (n=40 subjects). Different types of lasers were assessed (NdYAG or diode laser). The wavelengths ranged from 808 to 1064 nm and the energy levels ranged from 50 to 500mW. The occlusal splints used were mostly stabilization splints. The main outcome for most of the studies was pain. The majority of articles concluded that LLLT is as effective as occlusal splints in pain relief and functional enhancement in patients with TMD.
Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that both LLLT and occlusal splints effectively relieve pain and improve functional outcomes in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. However due to the heterogeneity of laser parameters, the variety of pathologies studied and the short follow-up periods, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the long-term results and benefits of both treatments in patients with TMD.