A piezoelectric film-based intrasplint detection method for bruxism.
BACKGROUND
An accurate, easy-to-use, long-term method other than EMG is needed to monitor bruxism.


OBJECTIVE
This article presents pilot data on the reproducibility, validity, and utility of an intrasplint piezoelectric film method.


METHODS
Simulated bruxism behaviors (steady-state and rhythmic clenching, grinding, and tapping) in 5 subjects were recorded with the use of both masseter EMG and an intrasplint piezoelectric film method.


RESULTS
Correlation coefficients calculated for simulated bruxism event duration with the use of a masseter EMG or an intrasplint piezoelectric film method were 0.99 for tapping and steady-state clenching, 0.96 for rhythmic clenching, and 0.79 for grinding.


CONCLUSIONS
Piezoelectric film has its limitations and does not faithfully capture sustained force magnitudes. However, for the target behaviors associated with bruxism (tooth grinding, clenching, and tapping), it appears to faithfully reproduce above-baseline events with durations statistically indistinguishable from those recorded with masseter EMG. Masseter EMG was poorest at detecting a simulated side-to-side grinding behavior.
Takeuchi
H
H
Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, University Dental Hospital, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan. htake@dent.tokushima-u.ac.jp
Ikeda
T
T
Clark
G T
GT
D000328:Adult; D001732:Bite Force; D002012:Bruxism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D014160:Transducers, Pressure