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Backgroundː Deep overbite or deep bite is common in the pediatric population. Although bite-raising splints are often a part of treatment programs for deep bite malocclusion, there are no reports in the literature regarding their effect on the human neuromuscular system, especially during developmental age. The current study aimed to use electromyographic and kinesiographic analysis to investigate if and how bite-raising splints applied during early stages of orthodontic treatment affect muscle tone, muscle activity, mandibular kinetics, and Freeway Space (FWS) in pediatric patients with dental and skeletal deep bite. Methodsː Thirty patients (17 males & 13 females, mixed dentition, ages 6 to 13; mean age 9.2 ± 2.05) with complete traumatic, skeletal, and dental deep overbite were fitted for bite-raising splints for 4 weeks and underwent electromyographic and kinesiographic examination before and 4 weeks after the application of bite-raising splints. Resultsː Evidence of general reduction in activity levels in the bilateral masseter and temporalis muscles was found. Although maximum mouth opening was narrower and mandibular deviation during mouth opening movements was slightly increased, neither variation was statistically significant. Nor was there a significant difference related to mean muscular tone values. Surprisingly, a statistical difference in the amount of FWS was found (p < 0.05); kinesiographic limitations linked to the intrusion of molars can be considered as explanation. Conclusionsː Study findings indicated that bite-raising splints were not associated to statistically significant effects on muscle tone, muscle activity, or on mandibular kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare three treatment modalities for the management of myofascial pain of jaw muscles.Methods: Thirty (N = 30) patients with low pain-related impairment were randomly assigned to receive laser therapy (LST), oral appliance therapy (OA), or counseling (CSL). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain levels and the Muscular Index (MI) of the Craniomandibular Index were the outcome variables, which were assessed at baseline, at three weeks, three months, and six months.Results: At six months, improvement in the MI was maintained both in the LST (p = .025) and OA groups (p < .001). As for VAS values, positive changes were still shown for LST (p = .001), and were also shown for the OA (p = .002) and CSL groups (p = .048).Conclusions: Despite differences in the short-term effectiveness of LST and OA, with respect to CSL alone, all three treatment groups improved at six months. This suggests that active treatments should be directed to maximize the positive changes in the short-term period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "An Assessment of the Usefulness of Jaw Kinesiography in Monitoring Temporomandibular Disorders: Correlation of Treatment-Related Kinesiographic and Pain Changes in Patients Receiving Temporomandibular Joint Injections," by D. Manfredini and colleagues published in a 2013 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Dental Association."

Objectives: To compare three treatment modalities for the management of myofascial pain of jaw muscles., Methods: Thirty (N = 30) patients with low pain-related impairment were randomly assigned to receive laser therapy (LST), oral appliance therapy (OA), or counseling (CSL). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain levels and the Muscular Index (MI) of the Craniomandibular Index were the outcome variables, which were assessed at baseline, at three weeks, three months, and six months., Results: At six months, improvement in the MI was maintained both in the LST (p = .025) and OA groups (p < .001). As for VAS values, positive changes were still shown for LST (p = .001), and were also shown for the OA (p = .002) and CSL groups (p = .048)., Conclusions: Despite differences in the short-term effectiveness of LST and OA, with respect to CSL alone, all three treatment groups improved at six months. This suggests that active treatments should be directed to maximize the positive changes in the short-term period.

Introduction: Virtual study models made their first appearance on the orthodontic market in 1999. The early systems offered two-dimensional images; reliable 3D images of study models were obtained only with the introduction of laser technology. Virtual study models have reduced the number of limitations and obstacles associated with the use of conventional plaster models and resulted in the creation of the "paperless orthodontic office". To understand their drawbacks, advantages and affordability, the different systems available for virtual dental casts were compared., Discussion: The systems envisaging the use of 3D virtual study models are: Orthocad, e-models, Orthoproof, SureSmile, Invisalign and Libra. All of these systems offer model "manipulation" options, whereas only Orthocad, e-models and SureSmile offer advanced levels of software complexity, so as to ensure: virtual set-up, computer-aided bracket placement, planning and construction of orthodontic appliances. The use of hand-held scanners calls for highly specific skills. Basic requirements to use digital models include: a personal computer, internet access, management software., Conclusion: The digital elaboration of orthodontic study models is developing beyond the collection of morphologic and diagnostic data, towards the planning and production of orthodontic devices, through the use of morphing simulating the several phases of the treatment. Digital 3D models can be used at a basic and at a more advanced level, depending on the clinician's level of experience.