###### Abstract  
Background: The main objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of two different devices, the Eptamed elastodontic device and a common bite sold in pharmacies, by assessing a computer aid evaluation of patients' surface electromyography (sEMG) and kinesigraphy activity of four pairs of masticatory and postural muscles (anterior temporalis, diagstricus, masesters and sternocleidomastoids muscles) before and after 6 months of treatment. Materials and Methods: Twelve adult patients with temporomandibular disorders and in need of orthodontic treatment were enrolled in the study and divided into cases and controls. Cases underwent orthodontic treatment with the Eptamed elastodontic device, while controls were treated with a bite sold in pharmacies. Both groups underwent electromyographic and kinesigraphic examinations before and after 6 months from the start of treatment. Results: The Eptamed device was found to guarantee an improvement in the electrical activity of the muscles examined. The subjects in the control group, on the other hand, had a general worsening of electrical activity after wearing a splint purchased in a pharmacy. As for the kinesigraphic examination, there was no significant improvement in both groups. Conclusions: the use of the Eptamed device in subjects with TMD ensured a greater relaxation of the chewing muscles than a standard bite, effectively reducing the risk of worsening the symptomatology of temporomandibular disorders. Keywords:elastodontic device; bite standard; EMG; KNG; TMD(s) +
Footnote †: journal: Medical  
Nowadays, the etiology of TMD remains a subject of great controversy and is generally viewed as multifactorial. The American Association of Oro-facial Pain considered orthodontic treatments managed in the absence of good neuromuscular balance to be among the major causes of temporomandibular disorders (in addition to microtrauma, macrotrauma and anatomical, hormonal and genetic factors) [7]. In general, the aim of an orthodontic treatment is to achieve functional and esthetic occlusion by using fixed or removable appliances of different types. In this way, in addition to changing the positioning of the dental elements and skeletal structures, the craniofacial structures can be oriented toward a correct direction of growth [8]. But, an additional goal of proper orthodontic treatment should be to achieve neuromuscular balance. The lack of neuromuscular balance after orthodontics, in fact, can induce the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) [9]. To date, an increasing number of adults require orthodontic treatment; however, temporomandibular disorders are more common at this age. In fact, according to [PERSON] [10], pain associated with temporomandibular disorders occurs in 10% of the population over the age of 18 and is a condition that prevails in adolescents and middle-aged adults, while it is less common in children and elderly people. For this reason, orthodontic treatment could be risky, causing a worsening of symptoms in individuals with TMD or inducing the development of temporomandibular disorders in previously healthy subjects. The application of excessive orthodontic forces can cause occlusal trauma that can affect not only the TMJ but also periodontal tissues. In fact, according to studies by [PERSON] et al., the presence of occlusal trauma is a risk factor for the progression of periodontal disease [11]. In addition, in subjects who already have periodontitis, it can exacerbate the inflammatory process of the dental support tissues with increased levels of RANKL in the GCF (gingival crevicular fluid) and tissue and bone damage [12]. It is, therefore, necessary during treatment to achieve tooth contacts that are stable and Traumatic, avoiding periodontal and joint repercussions. Therefore, a careful clinical examination with palpation of the TMJ and masticatory muscles during orthodontic treatment would be appropriate. Electromyographic and kinesographic examination can be of fundamental help in this regard.