Author(s):
1. Aleksandra Radulović, Medicinski fakultet Banja Luka , Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Igor Đukić, Katedra za oralnu hirurgiju, Studijski program dentalna medicina, Medicinski fakultet, Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci,, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Vladan Mirjanić, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
4. Mirsad Kadić, Dom zdravlja Kakanj, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina , Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract:
Introduction: Bruxism is a disorder of the functional activity of the masticatory system manifested by clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep or wakefulness. It is considered to have a multifactorial etiology, with central, neurophysiological, and psychological factors playing an important role. Prolonged parafunctional activity may lead to wear of the hard dental tissues, damage to the supporting structures of the teeth, hypertrophy and hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles, as well as pain and functional disorders of the temporomandibular joints. A stabilization occlusal splint is one of the most commonly used therapeutic modalities for alleviating the consequences of bruxism. Objective: The aim of this study was to electromyographically evaluate the effects of stabilization occlusal splint therapy on the functional condition of the masseter muscles in individuals with clinical signs and symptoms of bruxism. It was hypothesized that the use of an occlusal splint would contribute to a reduction in the hypertonicity of the mandibular elevator muscles and mitigate the harmful effects of bruxism on the teeth and their supporting tissues. Materials and Methods: The study included 20 patients, seven men and 13 women, aged 23 to 37 years. The participants were selected on the basis of medical history, a questionnaire, and a detailed clinical examination from a total of 105 individuals examined at the Clinic for Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade. Following clinical analysis of the orofacial system and occlusion, electromyographic examination of the right and left masseter muscles was performed before and after stabilization occlusal splint therapy. The analysis was conducted at the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade. Changes in the duration of the SP1 and SP2 silent periods, expressed in milliseconds, were evaluated as indicators of the functional condition and tension of the masseter muscles. Results: Following stabilization occlusal splint therapy, a reduction in silent period duration was observed on both examined sides. In the right masseter muscle, the mean SP1 value decreased from 18.58 ± 2.47 ms before therapy to 15.95 ± 1.64 ms after therapy, while the SP2 value decreased from 41.42 ± 1.64 ms to 36.81 ± 1.63 ms. These differences were highly statistically significant (p < 0.01). In the left masseter muscle, the SP1 value decreased from 18.67 ± 1.87 ms to 14.38 ± 1.39 ms (p < 0.01), while the SP2 value decreased from 41.58 ± 2.50 ms to 38.08 ± 1.75 ms (p < 0.05). A reduction in silent period duration was recorded in almost all participants, except for one patient in whom the value on the left side remained unchanged. Conclusion: The use of a stabilization occlusal splint resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the duration of the SP1 and SP2 silent periods in the masseter muscles. The electromyographic findings indicate a reduction in muscle tension and hypertonicity in individuals with bruxism. A stabilization occlusal splint may represent an effective therapeutic modality for alleviating the neuromuscular and dentoalveolar consequences of bruxism.

Key words:
bruxism,occlusal splint,electromyography,masseter muscle,silent period,masticatory system.

Thematic field:
SYMPOSIUM B - Biomaterials and nanomedicine

Date of abstract submission:
03.08.2026.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2026 - Savremeni Materijali

Applied paper from author