The effectiveness of stabilization appliance therapy among patients with myalgia

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of stabilization appliance therapy for masticatory muscle pain is debated. Therefore, there are currently no clear usage standards. We analyzed patient factors influencing its efficacy and characterized masticatory muscle pain subtypes to determine appropriate therapy candidates. METHODS: This case series study recruited patients diagnosed with local myalgia or myofascial pain and used variables related to temporomandibular disorders in the analysis. We used temporary appliance to screen patients for sleep bruxism for 2 weeks. Afterwards, we initiated therapy with stabilization appliances. Efficacy was evaluated via tenderness intensity during muscle palpation and the treatment satisfaction score after 2 months of treatment. RESULTS: We analyzed 62 (91%) patients. Tenderness upon muscle palpation was mitigated in 27 patients. Mitigated tenderness odds ratios were 0.035 for myofascial pain, 0.804 for 15‐item Patient Health Questionnaire scores, and 1.915 for facet length. Thirty‐nine patients expressed satisfaction; satisfaction odds ratios were 0.855 for 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire scores, 1.606 for facet length, and 4.023 for awake bruxism awareness. CONCLUSIONS: Stabilization appliance therapy is most effective for patients with awake bruxism awareness, local myalgia, long facets, and no psychosocial risk factors.