A piezoelectric film-based intrasplint detection method for bruxism

Statement of problem. An accurate, easy-to-use, long-term method other than EMG is needed to monitor bruxism. Purpose. This article presents pilot data on the reproducibility, validity, and utility of an intrasplint piezoelectric film method. Material and 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. Conclusion. 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.