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Bruxism‐Related Vibrational Patterns Assessed by Joint Vibration Analysis: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Features

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bruxism involves involuntary jaw activities like clenching or grinding, linked to changes in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) vibrations, but its independent role is debated. This study used joint vibration analysis (JVA), a non-invasive method, to analyse TMJ vibrations in individuals with potential bruxism. METHODS: Adults (N = 195), aged 18-45, were included in this retrospective study divided into two groups: those with possible bruxism and TMD features (n = 175) and asymptomatic controls (n = 20). The classification was based on clinical examination and self-report, without differentiating sleep and awake bruxism. TMJ function was evaluated with JVA, assessing peak frequency, median frequency, vibration amplitude, and vibrational energy. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman correlation and regression (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Participants with possible bruxism showed higher peak frequency (42.3 ± 5.6 Hz vs. 38.7 ± 4.2 Hz, p = 0.023), median frequency (28.9 ± 4.8 Hz vs. 25.6 ± 3.9 Hz, p = 0.015), vibration amplitude (6.5 ± 1.2 mm/s vs. 4.9 ± 1.0 mm/s, p < 0.001) and vibrational energy (12.7 ± 3.4 μJ vs. 9.2 ± 2.8 μJ, p < 0.001) than controls. Bruxism severity correlated with higher JVA parameters, explaining about 35% of the variance in vibration amplitude and 30% in energy (p < 0.001). Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large (Cohen's d = 0.73-1.35). These results reflect patterns in a mixed bruxism-TMD group, not bruxism-specific effects. CONCLUSIONS: Findings show higher TMJ vibrational parameters in those possibly bruxing, many with TMD features. JVA helps characterise TMJ patterns but should not be used alone for bruxism diagnosis without imaging or TMD controls. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov.tr: NCT07070141.

Source: Journal of Oral Rehabilitation

DOI: 10.1111/joor.70188

Authors: Serdar Gözler, Nurcan Durmaz, Beril Bayraktar, Tan Fırat Eyüboğlu, Mutlu Özcan

Institutions: Atlas Üniversitesi, Istanbul Medipol University, University of Zurich

Language: English

Topic: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7135199527