Effect of mandibular advancement device on sleep bruxism score and sleep quality.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The use of mandibular advancement devices (MADs) in the treatment of sleep bruxism is gaining widespread importance. However, the effects of MADs on sleep bruxism scores, sleep quality, and occlusal force are not clear. PURPOSE The purpose of this clinical study was to analyze the effect of MADs on sleep bruxism scores, sleep quality, and occlusal force. MATERIAL AND METHODS This uncontrolled before and after study enrolled 30 participants with sleep bruxism. Outcomes assessed were sleep quality, sleep bruxism scores (sleep bruxism bursts and sleep bruxism episodes/hour), and occlusal force before and after 15 and 30 days of using a MAD. Sleep bruxism scores were assessed by ambulatory polysomnography and sleep quality by using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Occlusal force was recorded by using a digital gnathodynamometer in the first molar region on both sides. Statistical analysis was done by 1-factor repeated measures ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS Statistically significant reductions in sleep bruxism bursts/h, sleep bruxism episodes/h, and PSQI scores were found after 15 and 30 days of using a MAD (P<.001). Statistically significant reduction in occlusal force on both sides was found only after 15 days (P<.001) but not after 30 days of using a MAD (P=.292 on left side, and P=.575 on the right side). CONCLUSIONS The study showed a short-term improvement in sleep bruxism scores, sleep quality, and reduction in occlusal force in sleep bruxism participants after using MADs.