Influence of Rigid and Flexible Occlusal Stents on Electromyographic Patterns in Individuals Exhibiting Different Degrees of Occlusal Wear

Aim: This study was designed to assess the impact of Rigid and Flexible Occlusal Stents on electromyographic (EMG) endeavor in patients suffering from different degrees of occlusal wear at various time intervals. Methods: Individuals aged 20–50 complaining from different degrees of Occlusal wear were assigned to either group I (RS) getting rigid stent, or group II(FS), getting flexible stents. The Electromyographic endeavor of masticatory muscles was noted during rest and clenching positions for both study and monitor groups, with and without the use of occlusal stents at different time intervals. intergroup and intra-group comparisons were done using the Nonparametric tests. Results: Nonsignificant difference was exhibited in between t study and monitor groups in spite that the Standard Electromyographic endeavors were greater in the study groups than the monitor groups. After one day, the patients in both rigid and flexible occlusal stents showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) electromyographic endeavor than those without stents. After one month, and two months, the electromyographic endeavor decreased in the rigid stent group, but better in the flexible stent group in comparison with the monitor group. This difference was significant only during clenching of the anterior temporalis in group I(RS) and nonsignificant for other study groups. Conclusion: The stent materials and duration of use improve the masseter and anterior temporalis masticatory muscles activities. After two months, both types of occlusal stents facilitated the muscle adaptation to the increased occlusal vertical dimension, The anterior temporalis muscle showed more noticeable muscle activity compared to the masseter muscle.