The course of pain intensity and frequency of adolescents treated because of temporomandibular disorders: A long‐term follow‐up

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the course of pain intensity and frequency related to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) 15 years (range 5–21 years) after having received TMD treatment as adolescents due to frequent (at least once a week) TMD pain in two controlled trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first trial, subjects (n = 122) were randomly allocated to either information only, received in a control condition (Co), or information and an occlusal appliance (OA) versus relaxation therapy (RT). In the second trial, including 64 subjects, nonresponders to OA or RT were subsequently allocated to the alternate treatment (ST). All study participants having completed the trials (n = 167) were invited to a long‐term follow‐up evaluations, with a response rate of 69.5% (n = 116). Patient‐reported outcomes of TMD‐related frequency and intensity were appraised relative to baseline data and short‐term outcomes as observed in the two trials by use of general linear mixed model and generalized estimation equation statistics. RESULTS: A significantly higher proportion of participants treated with OA and in the combined RT/Co condition than those in the ST group, reported a frequency level of TMD pain less than once week at post‐treatment and the long‐term follow‐up. Adolescents treated with OA showed significantly lower TMD pain intensity levels post‐treatment than those in the other two treatment conditions. While no difference between the OA and the RT/Co conditions was found in the long‐term follow‐up, participants in these two conditions were significantly more improved than those in the ST group. CONCLUSION: Adolescents treated with an OA clearly showed better outcome with regard to intensity and frequency in a long‐term follow‐up of TMD pain than those treated with RT and ST for nonresponders. These latter individuals need special clinical attention and more effective supplementary treatment methods to be developed.