Evaluation of the thickness and internal structure of the masseter muscle with ultrasonography in female bruxism patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the thickness and internal structure of the masseter muscle in individuals with and without bruxism by ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 female patients with and without bruxism whose ages were ranging between 20 and 35 were included in the study. The masseter muscle thickness was measured during rest and maximum bite position. Ultrasonographic internal structure of the masseter muscle is classified according to the visibility of echogenic bands. In addition, the echogenic internal structure of the masseter muscle was evaluated with quantitative muscle ultrasound. RESULTS: The masseter muscle thickness was significantly higher in both positions in patients with bruxism (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups in the evaluation of echogenicity (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is a useful and important diagnostic method for evaluating masseter muscle without using radiation.