Effects of occlusal splint therapy on the masseter and temporalis muscles in female patients with myofascial pain syndrome: An ultrasonographic study

Bilgen B., Akpınar E., Duman Tepe R., Çakır Karabaş H., Şakar O.

CRANIO-THE JOURNAL OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR & SLEEP PRACTICE, vol.43, no.5, pp.868-878, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 43 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/08869634.2025.2490297
  • Journal Name: CRANIO-THE JOURNAL OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR & SLEEP PRACTICE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.868-878
  • Keywords: bruxism, masseter muscle, myofascial pain syndrome, Occlusal splint, temporalis muscle, ultrasonography
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of occlusal splint (OS) therapy on clinical parameters, masticatory muscle morphology and arterial blood flow using ultrasonography (USG) in female probable bruxist individuals with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).Methods24 female probable bruxist patients with MPS underwent OS therapy for three months. USG assessed masseter and temporalis muscle length, thickness (at rest and maximum clenching) and elastography. Doppler ultrasound measured facial, external carotid, temporal and maxillary artery blood flow. Clinical evaluations included maximum mouth opening (MMO), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. All measurements were conducted before and after treatment.ResultsOS therapy significantly reduced muscle length, thickness and elastography, except for right masseter elastography. Temporal artery flow parameters showed a significant decrease. MMO increased, while JFLS and VAS scores decreased.ConclusionOS therapy reduces muscle dimensions and stiffness while improving clinical outcomes, with limited impact on arterial blood flow.