Objective: To evaluate the effect of a self-management program on a population with both painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and parafunctional behaviors.Methods: One hundred-seven participants enrolled in a program called Osteovox Self-Management Concept (OSMC). The primary outcome measure was the overall relief (OR) based on four pain and three functional limitation parameters. The secondary outcome measures concerned parafunctional behaviors, compliance with treatment, and several psychological and otological symptoms.Results: The mean OR was 47% (standard deviation (SD): 28%) after 1 month, 72% (SD: 26%) after 3 months, and 77% (SD: 23%) after 6 months. Significant OR (i.e., 60%-100%) was observed in 80.11% of the patients. OR was strongly correlated with compliance. The OSMC efficiently reduced parafunctional behaviors and otological symptoms.Discussion: This study demonstrated that OSMC is an effective, simple, short, and inexpensive therapy. This type of treatment follows the international recommendations of using reversible treatment for TMD.
Keywords: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD); bruxism; compliance; otological symptoms; parafunctional behaviors; psychology; self-management; sensorimotor; therapeutic.