Isolated and Combined Laser Acupuncture and Occlusal Device Therapy in TMD Myalgia: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT Background This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the occlusal device (OD), laser acupuncture therapy and their combination in treating temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Methods A total of 104 participants (84 women and 20 men), diagnosed with TMD of Muscular Origin, were randomised into three groups: OD group ( n = 34): OD; LAT group ( n = 34): laser acupuncture (LAT) and ODLAT group ( n = 36): OD and LAT. Pain intensity, mandibular mobility and oral health‐related quality of life (OHIP‐14) were assessed before treatment and at 0, 2, 4 and 12 weeks. Results The three treatment modalities reduced self‐reported pain (OD— p < 0.0001; LAT— p = 0.0005; ODLAT— p < 0.0001) and increased voluntary mouth opening over 12 weeks (OD— p = 0.0005; LAT— p < 0.0001; ODLAT— p < 0.0001). The ODLAT group experienced less pain than the OD group at weeks 2 ( p < 0.0001) and 4 ( p = 0.047) and showed greater mouth opening at weeks 2 ( p = 0.002), 4 ( p = 0.001), and 12 ( p = 0.008). The LAT and ODLAT groups had significant improvements in pain reduction post‐treatment at weeks 0 and 2 ( p < 0.0001). The ODLAT group exhibited superior mouth opening after sessions at week 2 ( p = 0.002), 4 ( p = 0.001) and 12 ( p = 0.008) in comparison with other groups. While all therapies reduced OHIP‐14 scores, the ODLAT group exhibited significantly lower scores at re‐evaluation ( p = 0.003). Conclusions ODLAT therapy resulted in superior improvements in the myofascial pain symptoms in comparison to the individual treatments.