The cost-effectiveness of TheraBite® as treatment for acute myogenic temporomandibular disorder.

<bold>Objective: </bold>Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a very common and costly pain problem concerning the temporomandibular joint. A previous study has shown that for the treatment of acute myogenic TMD, TheraBite® (TB) offers a faster and greater effect than usual care consisting of physical therapy (PT). This study estimates the cost-effectiveness of TB compared to PT.<bold>Methods: </bold>Differences in costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) between TB and PT are analyzed using a decision model.<bold>Results: </bold>The point estimate for the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is -28,068 EUR (-30,191 USD) per QALY (dominant) for TB versus PT. At the willingness-to-pay ratio of 20,000 EUR (21,513 USD) per QALY, TB has a 97% probability of being cost-effective compared to PT.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>TB is expected to be cost-effective compared to PT for the treatment of acute myogenic TMD, offering faster recovery of quality of life for patients, at a lower cost to society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]