Bruxismus (teeth grinding) is a pathological parafunctional activity. Conventional treatments primarily take into account the use of dental splints and psychological behavioral training. Both methods seldom attain satisfactory therapeutical results. A new method for the treatment of CMD is the FaceFormer Therapy® (FFT). Using Berndsen/Berndsen’s Cranio-Cervical-Myofunctional Models (CCMF), pathological disharmonies of the orofacial region should be alleviated through activation of muscle group functions and replaced by new neurophysiological behaviors.
It was tested in a pilot study whether the positive results of FFT, which were targeted in the treatment for craniomandibular and cervical dysfunction, could also be valid for Bruxismus patients
Inspired by the far-reaching positive experiences with the Face Former Therapy for CMD, a pilot study was developed for the treatment of Bruxismus patients. Scientific initiators were ISST – the Center for Rehabilitation and the Department of Orthodontics at Frankfurt University. The partaking patients judged their pain and the nightly Bruxismus along with any changes using the Multi-Lickert Scale (one to five). Additionally, the personal opinion of the spouse, who could rate (proxy rating) the frequency and intensity of the nightly Bruxismus based on the Lickert Scale, was recorded. The study contained 12 patients (five women, seven men, average age of 44.3 years) with severe Bruxismus. Every patient was treated for eight weeks with the Face Former Therapy. The patients complained about pain, which occurred due to TMJ and associated mandibular musculature as well as in the cervical muscles. Three patients suffered extensively from immense tension headaches. All patients were diagnosed with TMJ noise (grinding, clicking).
Thermography shows the extent of the muscle activation with Face-Former-Training.
Before beginning exercises
After 3 exercises
After 20 exercises
After 2 Weeks FFt, a measurable improvement was seen in six patients. Temporomandibular joint and muscle pain were significantly reduced. After an eight week treatment, 61.36 % of the test persons showed no further symptoms. Outside estimation (proxy-rated), 56.82%.
With routine Face Former Therapy, functional disturbances in the craniocerival regions through to the new neurophysiological functional behavior can be corrected. This changes leads to a reduction or alleviation of Bruxismus and associated pain. Even after two weeks, most patients were able to see some relief. After eight weeks, most patients were symptom-free. Because the new neurophysiological behavior must be habituated and a relapse of the old behavior must be prohibited, the developers recommend a treatment of more than six months.
Bite before
Bite after
K.-J. Berndsen, S. Berndsen, St. Kopp
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Carolinum
Poliklinik für Kieferorthopädie
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7
D-60590 Frankfurt
Study: New ways of functional bruxism treatment
An efficient method to harmonize orofacial dysfunctions