MELO, Gustavo Moreira de. Mechanism of action of the interocclusal devices. RSBO (Online) []. 2010, 7, 2, pp. 216-225. ISSN 1984-5685.

INTRODUCTION: The use of an interocclusal device is a conservative and very valuable treatment form for reducing the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and it may be used in conjunction with other therapies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the existing theories on the mechanisms of action of the interocclusal devices, comparing these hypotheses in order to establish consistency. LITERATURE REVIEW: The following aspects were analyzed among the proposed mechanisms: changes in the occlusion and condylar position, increase in the vertical dimension, change of the peripheral impulse to the central nervous system, natural regression to the mean, placebo effect and individual's cognitive awareness. A number of factors prevent from reaching a definitive conclusion such as lack of standardization of research, use time of the devices, slights about the natural course of the disease and cooperation from the patient. The effect of each mechanism varies according to the specific and individual profile of each patient. CONCLUSION: The lack of an experimental model for TMD prevent from scientifically proving the exact mechanism of action of the interocclusal devices. High standard longitudinal research should be performed in an attempt to get a better explanation of the real effectiveness of the interocclusal devices.

: temporomandibular disorders; interocclusal devices; mechanism of action.