Comparison Of Chair Side Time And Treatment Outcomes Of Stabilization Splints Obtained From Digital Versus Conventional Workflow

Abstract

The use of stabilization repositioning splints (SRS) to treat muscular TMDs is a growing practice owing to its’ effectiveness and simplicity. The conventional construction procedure requires meticulous occlusal adjustments which consumes considerable chairside time. Changing the procedure to a full digital approach might decrease the chair side time. Aim: To evaluate the chairside time required to construct SRS with conventional impression procedure compared to intra oral scanning and printing. Materials and methods: 30 patients suffering from muscular TMDs were allocated into 2 groups. Group 1 received SRS made out of a vacuum sheet formed over a dental model and modified with cold cured resin. Group 2 received SRS made from intra oral scans and digitally constructed and 3D printed. The time needed in the impression appointment and SRS fitting appointment was calculated. Patients were followed for 8 weeks to evaluate improvement of pain scores and range of mandibular opening. Results: regarding the treatment time the impression appointment time was statistically insignificant for both groups (13.15±1.77) and (12.47±1.96) minutes for groups 1 and 2 respectively. For the fitting appointment the duration showed statistical significant decrease when comparing group 2 (4.49±1.42 min) to group 1 (36.51±6.21min). For both group there was a statistical improvement in pain score and maximum incisal opening, yet there was no statistical significant difference between group 1 and 2. Conclusion: construction SRS with intra oral scans yielded the same patient improvement when compared to conventional construction technique but with significant decrease in the required chairside time