Objective: Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) reduces patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim was to assess the effects of initial Aqualizer™ therapy.
Methods: Group 1 (initial Aqualizer™ therapy) before definitive splint therapy or Group 2 (no initial therapy). Patients with arthrosis, partial/total prosthesis, or were undergoing splint therapy were excluded. Subjective parameters were evaluated: duration and intensity of pain, influence on wellbeing, changes in the head/neck area, handling and improvement of the Aqualizer™, improvement in QoL. The statistical significance level was 5% (p < 0.05).
Results: In 53 patients (Group 1 n = 25; Group 2 n = 28), the improvement in patients' well-being and intensity of pain in both groups was significant (p < 0.001). An improvement in QoL was found in 84% of patients in Group 1 and 75% in Group 2.
Conclusion: Initial Aqualizer™ therapy can decrease the intensity of pain and increase patients'.
Keywords: Aqualizer splint; TMD/TMJ; headache; myofascial; pain.