Stabilization Splint Research Articles

Long-term adherence to oral stabilization splints: does pain matter?

Occlusal stabilization splints (OSSs) are first-line therapy for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and sleep-related-bruxism (SRB). The main goal of this study was to quantify adherence rates to OSS therapy in TMD patients and among non-painful conditions such as clenching and bruxism. It was hypothesized that adherence rates would be similar to those for other chronic conditions. Medical records of 99 patients seen in the Orofacial Pain Clinic between 2006 and 2014 were reviewed. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were interviewed over the telephone regarding OSS adherence. Of the 99 patients interviewed, 80 had chronic orofacial pain related to TMD and 19 received OSS due to (non-painful) SRB. Patients were divided according to usage; the USER group (58 patients, 58.6%) used their OSS for more than 1 year; the NUSE group was the remaining 41 (41.4%) patients who used their device for less than 1 year. Of the patients with pain as the reason for OSS use, 50 (62.5%) were in the USER group and 30 (37.5%) were in the NUSE group. The most common diagnosis was masticatory muscle disorders (MMD) with a 71.4% adherence rate, representing 60.3% of the USER group, which was significantly higher than those with SRB and other facial pain (P = .039). The most common reasons for non-adherence were sleep difficulties with OSS (31.6%) and resolution of the problem (25%). Patients reporting mild to major pain reduction had higher adherence rates than those with complete pain relief or none at all. Patients with MMD exhibited higher adherence rates than those with other facial pain types and SRB.

Finite element analysis of various thickness occlusal stabilization splint therapy on unilateral temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement without reduction

Occlusal stabilization splint is the most common treatment modality for temporomandibular joint disorders, but the optimal thickness is still uncertain. This study investigated the effect of the occlusal splint with different thicknesses on the stress distribution of the temporomandibular joint. Cone-beam computed tomography and magnetic resonance images were used to reconstruct the maxillofacial and disc, and the unilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction was established manually as the basic model. Occlusal splint with 5 different thickness levels (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm) was added to the basic model as the study models. The displacement and stress distribution of the disc were evaluated. The maximum von Mises stress of the condylar cartilage was the largest on the affected side, whereas the maximum von Mises stress of the disc was the largest on the unaffected side. The disc stress on the affected side was mainly distributed on the posterior zone and the intermediate zone for the unaffected side. The maximum von Mises stress of the bilaminar region on the affected side was greater than the unaffected side. The stress of the disc and bilaminar region was the lowest on the affected side in the 2 mm model. The disc displacement on the affected side gradually increased, whereas, on the unaffected side, it fluctuated. These results showed that occlusal stabilization splint could decrease the stress of disc and bilaminar region, and 2 mm was considered the optimal thickness for the treatment of unilateral temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement without reduction.

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

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

Case Report: Digital analysis of occlusion with T-Scan Novus in occlusal splint treatment for a patient with bruxism

Bruxism is a disease with a multifactorial etiology. Its clinical manifestations are most often an unaesthetic smile with abraded tooth surfaces, temporomandibular disorders and muscle hyperactivity. Here we present a case of bruxism where proper articulation of the occlusal splint was performed using the T-scan Novus system. A patient with bruxism underwent treatment with stabilization splint made by 3D printer technology. Intraoral scanning was performed using Trios Color (3Shape, 2014), and the digital design was achieved using the 3Shape Dental system design - splint studio. Formlabs Form 2 printer with biocompatible resin Dental LT Clear Resin was used for printing. The T-Scan Novus system with software attached to it, version 9.1, was used for digital examination of the occlusion. A 2.7 mm thick occlusal splint was developed, and the software adapted the occlusion with antagonists. After adjustment with T-Scan Novus, a reduction in disocclusion time of the patient was achieved, which is a desired result in the treatment of bruxism. The position of the joint components was proven radiologically. The treatment of bruxism with splint therapy continues to be the main method of treatment. Using digital technology allows for more accurate constructions and precise balancing of occlusal relationships.

Occlusal Splints versus Ultrasound therapy in management of Anterior Disc Displacement with Reduction. A Randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: To compare the effect of Stabilization Splint (SS), Anterior repositioning splint (ARS), and Ultrasound (US) therapy in improving pain, limited mouth opening and clicking in patients with Anterior Disc Displacement with Reduction (ADDwR). Materials and Methods: 30 subjects were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated into one of the three study groups of 10 patients each; Group I received a SS, Group II received ARS and Group III were treated with US. All the patients were recalled at baseline (before treatment), 1m, 3m and 6m follow-up periods to evaluate pain, maximum mouth opening (MMO) and clicking. Pain level was evaluated using Visual Analogue Score (VAS). MMO was measured in mm. as the distance between maxillary and mandibular incisors. Detection of TMJ sounds was performed on opening or closing and was recorded. Results: There was a significant decrease in the pain scores in the three groups with P Conclusion:The use of occlusal splints in the management of painful ADDwR is a successful mode of treatment and helps in decreasing pain, improving MMO and clicking yet, is better to be used in combination with other treatment modalities.

Improvement of the prosthodontic treatment protocol in patients with TMD via functional diagnosis

Relevance. The purpose of the research is to improve the functional diagnosis protocol in prosthodontic treatment of patients with TMD.Materials and methods. The optimal position of the mandible was determined for each patient by two methods: 1) TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and 2) TENS + kinesiography. Then, the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data were analyzed to determine the most physiological position of the condyles.Results. The analysis of the CT scans of patients without TMD (control group) showed that the right and left condyles occupy an anterior or central symmetrical position relative to the glenoid fossa. In the first and second methods, the condyles occupy an anterior or central position, which is the most optimal position of the lower jaw for the manufacturing of an occlusal stabilization splint. The statistical coefficients allowed us to determine that the second method was more accurate, since the obtained values were lower than those of the first method.Conclusion. Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that the improvement of the protocol, namely a new method for determining the optimal position of the mandible is more time-consuming, but more accurate and allows increasing the effectiveness at all stages of treatment of patients with this pathology.

Complications Following Masseteric Nerve Neurectomy with Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders—A Case Series and Literature Review

This article describes two cases of masseteric nerve neurectomy with radiofrequency done with the intention to treat temporomandibular disorders and related symptoms; the patients then visited our clinic complaining of side-effects after the procedure. A literature review was conducted to find scientific evidence relevant to masseteric nerve neurectomy with radiofrequency. A 21-year-old male patient visited with the chief complaint of swelling of both cheeks, dizziness, and generalized lethargy occurring after masseteric nerve neurectomy using radiofrequency. His mouth opening range was restricted. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated post-procedural inflammation with hemorrhage within both masseter muscles. A 28-year-old male patient visited with the chief complaint of occlusal discomfort and disocclusion after masseteric nerve neurectomy using radiofrequency. His occlusion was abnormal with only both second molars occluding. Overbite was −1 mm. Cone-beam computed tomography indicated degenerative joint disease of both condyles. In case 1, pharmacotherapy and physical therapy relieved overall symptoms. In case 2, although exacerbation of symptoms repeatedly occurred, long-term stabilization splint and physical therapy alleviated the temporomandibular disorders symptoms. However, the occlusion remained unstable. Scientific evidence of masseteric nerve neurectomy using radiofrequency for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders is still lacking. Therefore, conservative treatment should remain as the first line approach for temporomandibular disorders.

Effectiveness of exercise therapy versus occlusal splint therapy for the treatment of painful temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review of the literature was to compare the effects of exercise therapy and occlusal splint therapy on pain and mobility in individuals with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD). PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for English publications from database root to March 1, 2020. Search terms were [("temporomandibular joint disorders" or "temporomandibular disorders" or "craniomandibular disorders" or "orofacial pain" or "myofascial pain" or "myofascial pain" or "facial pain") AND (exercise or "physical therapy modalities" or physiotherapy or "exercise therapy") AND ("splints" or "occlusal splints" or "stabilization splint" or "occlusal appliance" or "occlusal splint therapy")]. We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of therapeutic exercise therapy and occlusal splint therapy, and were published in English. Trial quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Six studies were included (498 patients: 251 occlusal splint therapy, 247 therapeutic exercise). The results revealed that exercise therapy was not superior to occlusal splint therapy for pain reduction in patients with painful TMD (P=0.08; weighted standardized mean difference -0.29; 95% CI, -0.62 to 0.04). The effectiveness of occlusal splint therapy and exercise therapy was found to be equivalent in the maximum mouth-opening range (P=0.51; weighted standardized mean difference 0.12; 95% CI, -0.24 to 0.48), right laterotrusion (P=0.99; weighted standardized mean difference -0.00; 95% CI, -0.31 to 0.31), left laterotrusion (P=0.32; weighted standardized mean difference 0.16; 95% CI, -0.16 to 0.48), and protrusion (P=0.77; weighted standardized mean difference 0.06; 95% CI, -0.32 to 0.43) for painful TMD patients. Given the limitations of the study, the small number of studies included in the sub-analysis for pain relief and the maximum mouth-opening range, and the small overall standardized mean difference for pain relief and mandibular movement observed, no high-quality evidence was found to distinguish the clinical effectiveness between occlusal splint therapy and exercise therapy for painful TMD patients. It appears that more randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of exercise therapy and occlusal splint therapy need to be implemented.

Treatment responses in chronic temporomandibular patients depending on the treatment modalities and frequency of parafunctional behaviour.

(i) To evaluate the effect of three different interventions on treatment outcomes and (ii) to determine how the frequency of oral parafunction influences the effectiveness of the different therapeutic modalities. Forty-five participants were randomly assigned into three treatment groups [physical therapy (PT), stabilisation splint (SS) and control therapy (CT)]. According to Oral Behavior Checklist score, participants were divided into "high-frequency parafunction" (HFP) and low-frequency parafunction" (LFP) group. Primary (spontaneous pain and characteristic pain intensity) and secondary outcomes (range of mouth opening, anxiety symptoms, quality of life, perceived stress and global functional limitation) were evaluated during six-month treatment period. Participants in PT group showed a significant reduction in characteristic pain intensity (p=.047, η2 =0.243) when compared to SS and CT group, but significant improvement in spontaneous pain was found in all treatment groups. Patients treated with PT and SS exhibited significantly stronger improvement in pain-free mouth opening than patients in CT group (3rd month: p=.037, η2=0.258; 6th month: p=.005, η2 =0.383). Within-group analyses showed significant decrease of perceived stress, anxiety symptoms and global functional limitation only in PT group over a six-month treatment period. Participants with HFP presented significantly greater levels of anxiety (3rd month: p=.009, η2 =0.275; 6th month: p=.041, η2 =0.176) than participants with LFP. Within-group analyses, however, showed significant improvement of anxiety, but also the decrease of perceived stress and improvement of global limitation for the HFP group but not for the LFP group. Although no treatment can be marked as superior in terms of spontaneous pain relief, PT was more effective when observing relief of characteristic pain intensity. In HFP group the reduction of anxiety, stress and functional limitation was present regardless of the applied therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04694274. Registered on 01/04/2021.

Recovery from Acute Malocclusion in Temporomandibular Disorders with Stabilization Splint: Case Report

Recovery from Acute Malocclusion in Temporomandibular Disorders with Stabilization Splint: Case Report

Occlusal devices in France: An assessment of professional practice

Statement of problemWhether recommendations for the use of occlusal devices are made uniformly in terms of indications, designs, and wearing time is unclear. Different recommendations may lead to different clinical outcomes. PurposeThe purpose of this survey was to assess the professional practice of dental surgeons in France regarding the use of occlusal devices. Material and methodsA 26-question cross-sectional survey was sent to a panel of French dentists via the County Councils of the Dental Order. The questionnaire concerned the amount of occlusion-related treatment, the use of an anterior deprogramming device, stabilization splint, and anterior repositioning appliance, and the patient follow-up as well as the drawbacks of using an occlusal device as a therapeutic solution. The statistical tests used in the study were the chi-square test and the Yate correction for continuity. ResultsA total of 771 responses were received. Invasive options were still reported as being used as a first-line treatment for temporomandibular disorder, although a statistical difference was found between experienced and recently graduated practitioners, with recent graduates preferring noninvasive options as first-line treatment. Also, the results showed that anterior deprogramming devices were not used or that their application, particularly the length of treatment, was unfamiliar to practitioners. The anterior repositioning appliance seems to be used, but only a few practitioners integrate it into their practice. In general, about one-third of dentists appear to have a good knowledge of occlusion-related treatments, in particular, the use of occlusal devices. ConclusionsThe results indicated that only 20% to 30% of practitioners have good knowledge of contemporary occlusion-related practice. There is a need for the standardization of practice and improved education for practitioners in the use of occlusal devices.

A novel three-dimensional morphological analysis of idiopathic condylar resorption following stabilisation splint treatment.

Bone modelling evaluation is important for monitoring idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) progress. To compare condylar modelling in ICR patients treated with or without stabilisation splints (SSs). Eighty-four condyles from 84 ICR patients were studied: 42 received SS therapy (SS group); 42 received conventional therapy (control group). Cone-beam computed tomography images at diagnosis (T0) and after at least 6months (T1) were used for three-dimensional reconstruction. Volume differences between T0 and T1 (δV) were used to evaluate the amount of modelling. Percentage of growth area (PCT) was used to assess the condylar surface growth tendency. No significant change in condylar volume was found in the SS group, whereas that in the control group was significantly decreased at T1 (P<.0001). The amount of modelling differed among condylar subregions within the SS group: among 6 subregions (P=.0137), between anterior and posterior regions (P=.0336) and between lateral, intermediate and medial regions (P=.0275). Control group condylar subregions showed no significant differences in the amount of modelling. The anabolic modelling tendency of the total condylar surface in the SS group was greater than that in the control group (P=.0251); however, there were no statistical differences in PCTs among condylar subregions in either group. SS therapy effectively reduced further bone destruction and promoted condylar modelling. Three-dimensional morphological analysis is a novel method that can accurately evaluate the amount of bone modelling and growth tendency in ICR patients.

Effects of Different Therapeutic Modalities on the Clicking Sound and Quantitative Assessment of the Vertical and Lateral Mandibular Movements of Patients with Internal Derangements of the Temporomandibular Joint.

To compare the efficacy of low-dose laser therapy to that of conservative treatment using two different occlusal splints (stabilization and anterior repositioning splints) in patients with internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The study population consisted of patients with disc displacement with reduction diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis I and Axis II. In addition, disc displacement with reduction was confirmed in all patients using TMJ ultrasonography. These tests were conducted for 6 months with an interim control in the third month. The "clicking" sound from the joint on opening and closing the mouth and the extent to which the mouth opened vertically and laterally were assessed. In all, 20 patients received low-dose laser therapy, 20 were treated with a stabilization splint, and 20 were treated with an anterior repositioning splint. In addition, 10 untreated patients were included as a patient control group, and a further 10 healthy subjects were included as a healthy control group. Changes in the condition were assessed based on the results of the RDC/TMD Axis II and with the use of an algometer. The anterior repositioning splint group showed improvement in the "clicking" sound during mouth opening. Lateral movement improved significantly in patients who received laser therapy. In the patient control group, the click disappeared during mouth opening, the algometrically determined pain improved, and the lateral movement increased. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the improvement of vertical mouth movement or in the clicking sound during mouth closing. Each treatment modality applied in this study separately produced positive results for the clicking sound, restrictions in vertical and lateral movements, and reduction of the pressure pain threshold observed in cases of TMJ irregularity. The decision regarding which treatment modality should be employed can be made based on the patient's symptoms. However, this study also indicates that TMJ derangements can resolve spontaneously when left untreated.

Interpositional arthroplasty of post-traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis: A modified method

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a modified method of interpositional arthroplasty for post-traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis.All patients were treated with a modified interpositional arthroplasty that included: navigation-assisted accurate bone dissection with minimal removal of only 5 mm of the ankylosed bony mass, novel application of bone wax and porcine acellular dermal matrix to prevent re-ankylosis, and a unique 3D-printed splint for occlusal stabilization and gap maintaining. The pre- and post-operative physical and radiological examinations of patients were recorded during routine follow-up visits. Postoperative follow-up visits lasted at least 12 months.Twelve patients, seven males and five females, ranging from 21 years to 59 years, were enrolled in this retrospective case series. All of the twelve patients with eighteen bony ankylosed temporomandibular joints were treated by our new method. The post-operative follow-up periods ranged from 1 year to 4 years. During the follow-up visits within at least 1 year, no one manifested re-ankylosis. The mean maximum incisor opening changed from 7.4 ± 5.3 mm (p < 0.001, before surgery) to 37.6 ± 3.9 mm (p < 0.001, last follow-up visit). No sign of post-operative infection or foreign body rejection was observed during the follow-up visits. The post-operative occlusal relationship was sound and stable.It is suggested that the modified method of interpositional arthroplasty provides favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes after a short-term follow up.

Protocols for orthodontic treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

Orthodontists often have trouble treating patients who have temporomandibular joint disorders because occlusion changes depend on the position of unstable condyles. This characteristic means the patients do not have definite criteria with which to make an accurate orthodontic diagnosis, so clinicians are unable to establish a reliable treatment plan. This article reports on the treatment of a patient with skeletal Class II relationship and condylar resorption. A stabilization splint was used before any active orthodontic tooth movement to stabilize her condylar position. Although the patient exhibited dramatically increased open bite and a retruded mandibular position after splint therapy, her occlusion and facial esthetics were resolved by orthodontic camouflage treatment withappropriate orthodontic mechanics after extraction of 4 premolars.

Clinical characteristics of temporomandibular disorders presenting posterior open bite – A report of 12 cases

Background/purposeThere is a paucity of comprehensive information about posterior open bite (POB) in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) because of its rare prevalence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the etiologies, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of patients with TMD presenting POB. Materials and methodsThis study includes a careful review of medical records and imaging findings of 12 patients with TMD (seven men and five women, 50.9 ± 19.2 years, 15–72 years) complaining of POB. ResultsIn total, 11 had unilateral POB, whereas 1 had bilateral POB. In 11 patients, POB was caused by inflammatory disorders of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In the remaining one patient, TMJ medial disc displacement (MDD) was responsible for POB. Of 11 patients with inflammatory conditions of TMJ, four patients had unilateral TMJ internal derangement (ID), two had bilateral TMJ ID, and one had rheumatism. POB was resolved in 10 of 11 patients with TMJ inflammation following the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and self-management instructions. Prosthodontic treatment was needed in one patient to resolve POB. POB was resolved in the patient with TMJ MDD after stabilization splint therapy. ConclusionPOB in patients with TMD was mostly caused by inflammatory disorders of TMJ. TMJ MDD could also be a reason. Although almost all POB was resolved by conservative treatments including medications, the possibility of prosthodontic, orthodontic, or surgical treatments also must be considered.

Reduction of headache intensity and frequency with maxillary stabilization splint therapy in patients with temporomandibular disorders-headache comorbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the effectiveness of maxillary stabilization splint (SS) therapy to reduce headache (HA) intensity and HA frequency in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)-HA comorbidity. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using full-arch coverage, hard resin, and maxillary SS therapy were included. Electronic databases, including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE through PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE, were searched. The risk of bias was analyzed based on Cochrane's handbook. The search yielded 247 references up to January 28, 2020. Nine RCTs were included at a high risk of bias. The comparison groups included other splints, counseling, jaw exercises, medications, neurologic treatment, and occlusal equilibration. Four studies reported a statistically significant reduction in HA intensity, and five studies reported significant improvement in HA frequency from baseline at 2-12 months in patients with TMD-HA comorbidity treated with a full-arch hard maxillary SS. HA frequency in tension-type HA (TTH) comorbid with TMD diagnoses of myofascial pain (MFP) or capsulitis/synovitis improved significantly with SS than that with full-arch maxillary non-occluding splint (NOS) in two studies. Comparison groups receiving hard partial-arch maxillary splint nociceptive trigeminal inhibition (NTI) showed statistically significant improvements in HA intensity in patients with mixed TMD phenotypes of MFP and disc displacement comorbid with “general HA.” Comparison groups receiving partial-arch maxillary resilient/soft splint (Relax) showed significant improvements in both HA intensity and frequency in patients with HA concomitant with MFP. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the improvement of pain intensity at 2-3 months with comparison of the splints (partial-arch soft [Relax], hard [NTI], and full-arch NOS) or splint use compliance at 6-12 months with comparison of the splints (partial-arch Relax and full-arch NOS) versus the SS groups in patients with various TMD-HA comorbidities. In conclusion, although SS therapy showed a statistically significant decrease in HA intensity and HA frequency when reported, the evidence quality was low due to the high bias risk and small sample size. Therefore, further studies are required.

Effect of using Photobiomodulation, stabilization, and anterior repositioning splints on the pain level of subjects with temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction

Objective: was to evaluate the effect of four conservative treatment modalities on the pain level of patients withtemporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR). Material and Methods:100 subjects (64 females and 36 males) were selected, divided into four groups, 25 patients of each. Subjects ofGroup I have been treated with behavioral therapy. Subjects of Group II had been treated with Photobiomodulationtherapy (PBMT). Subjects of Group III had been treated by anterior repositioning splint (ARS). Subjects of GroupIV had been treated by a stabilization splint. The pain was evaluated by visual analog score (VAS) from 0 to 10.Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA test for comparison between groups. Within each group, acomparison between baseline and after treatment was done using paired t-test (p&lt;0.05). Results: There wasa statistical difference between the pain scores of the different groups after treatment (p &lt; 0.05). Also, therewere statistical differences between all groups (p &lt; 0.05) except that between group II and group III (p &gt; 0.05).Conclusion: The use of stabilization splint and ARS are effective non-invasive methods for reducing the painlevel in the treatment of TMJ ADDwR cases. KEYWORDSAnterior repositioning splint; Disc derangement; Disc displacement; Low level laser therapy; Photobiomodulationtherapy; Stabilization splint; TMD.

Construction and preliminary clinical evaluation of digital stabilization occlusal splint system

To established a digital workflow for stabilization occlusal splint with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods. Two subjects were enrolled from April 2019 to May 2019 from Department of Prosthodontics, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (one male, 25 years old; one female, 24 years old). The working models of the participants' dentition were made. Two stabilization occlusal splints were manufactured for each participant using digital workflow and conventional workflow. With the digital workflow, the three-dimensional (3D) scanning of the cast, recording of the digital personalized mandibular movements and condyle trajectory, and the design and the 3D printing for the fabrication of the final appliance using CAD/CAM technologies were performed. With conventional workflow, conventional technologies were adopted based on requirements and experiment of designing and manufacturing of stabilization splint. During try-in, a checklist was built to compare the clinical performance of the two workflows. The digital workflow of the stabilization occlusal splint was built successfully. The total score of clinical primary evaluation by the two subjects were 26 and 26 for digital workflow splints, and 25 and 23 for conventional workflow splints. Digital stabilization occlusal splint workflow is feasible.

Computerised Dynamic Occlusal Study with T-Scan III System in Patients Treated with Stabilisation Splint

Computerised Dynamic Occlusal Study with T-Scan III System in Patients Treated with Stabilisation Splint