Currently, technology continues to develop and provides more and more conveniences that humans can experience, one of which is in the world of dentistry. However, currently in Indonesia, public awareness about diseases in the realm of dentistry is still lacking. People often underestimate this, one of which is TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder), a temporomandibular disorder characterized by craniofacial pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, or muscles that nerve the head and neck.
Based on these problems, as an effort to utilize existing technology, 5 Brawijaya University students succeeded in creating the Therapy and Monitoring for Temporomandibular Disorder (TEAMMATE) innovation in the form of an Internet of Things (IoT) integrated monitoring and therapy tool connected to an application on a smartphone.
With the guidance of Mrs. Ir Nurussa’adah, M.T. This work succeeded in obtaining research funding in the Student Creativity Program in the field of Creative Initiatives in 2023. The five students include Handal Wally Akbar (Electrical Engineering 2021), Moh. Hibaturrohman Bagasunni’am (Electrical Engineering 2021), Rizki Bagus Hadi Kusuma (Electrical Engineering 2021), Salsabila Nurrin Ananda (Dentistry 2021), and Salsa Adilla Ilianis (Dentistry 2021).
“Even though temporomandibular disorders are often ignored by many people, increasingly advanced conditions can reduce the sufferer’s quality of life. “This is because the disorders that occur involve speech and chewing functions, and can affect the growth and development of the face or jaw,” said Bagas.
There are 2 ways TEAMMATE works, namely the monitoring system and the therapy system. The monitoring system is recorded using surface electromyography (EMG) electrodes to determine the condition of the masseter and temporalis muscles when they contract and relax, while the therapy system is carried out spontaneously and long-term. Spontaneous therapy can utilize the TENS method with a voltage output of 0-50 Volts and a frequency of 100 Hz found on the TEAMMATE face-band with a usage duration of 15-25 minutes which will be determined by the doctor in charge. In long-term therapy using the exercise feature.
“With this monitoring system. Users can find out the classification of TMD severity through the condition of their muscles. “Therefore, doctors can also suggest activities that should be avoided as well as appropriate exercise so that muscle disorders do not get worse and the condition improves,” said Salsa.
Meanwhile, Nurrin also added that in an effort to relieve the pain, sufferers usually take medication, in some cases invasive analgesics can be used. However, technology is currently developing, analgesics can also be done through other methods such as TENS which is also non-invasive.
“We designed TEAMMATE ergonomically so that users are comfortable when using the tool. Plus, we made it to fit a variety of head sizes. “The size of this tool is not too big so it can be used anytime and anywhere when TMD sufferers feel pain,” said Bagus.
“This tool has great potential for sale, in the next development, the dimensions of the TEAMMATE electrical box will be reduced by adding a step up circuit to the TEAMMATE PCB, making it lighter to increase comfort of use. “The addition of the application of Artificial Intelligence to TEAMMATE makes TEAMMATE technology even more accurate and effective in terms of data processing for information on patient conditions,” said Ir. Nurussa’adah, M.T. as the main mentor of the team
TEAMMATE has the potential to be a solution that can be widely used to help dentists provide advice to TMD sufferers in carrying out regular monitoring activities as well as therapeutic suggestions wherever and whenever independently, while remaining under the supervision of the doctor in charge. (*/WHY/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
