Digital Occlusal Analysis and Enamel Wear Assessment in Temporomandibular Disorder Patients Treated with Fully Digital Versus Conventional Stabilization Splints

Minia University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: TMD; Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Treatments: Device: stabilization splint

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06781320

112/498

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled research aimed to analyse the occlusion and assist the enamel wear before and after using of the stabilization splints produced by the conventional methods with the fully digitally fabricated stabilization splints.

Research question: Will the fully digital stabilization splint offer significantly better occlusal equilibration and enamel wear compared to the conventional stabilization splint? the primary outcome will be Digital occlusal analysis, and secondary outcome will be enamel wear assessment

Full description

This randomized controlled clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of fully digitally fabricated stabilization splints (FD-SS) versus conventionally manufactured stabilization splints (C-SS) in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study focuses on two primary outcomes: digital occlusal analysis and enamel wear assessment over a 6-month period.

Participants are TMD patients aged 18-40 with stable jaw relations and intact dentition, randomly assigned (1:1) to the FD-SS or C-SS group. Digital occlusal analysis is performed using OccluSense technology, which captures bite force distribution and contact points dynamically and statically. Enamel wear is assessed quantitatively using an intraoral scanner paired with Geomagic Control X 3D software for surface matching analysis. Baseline and follow-up STL datasets are compared to quantify volumetric enamel loss with micrometer precision.

In the FD-SS group, fully digital stabilization splints are fabricated using a digital workflow that includes intraoral scanning, jaw tracking with Zebris JMA devices, and CAD/CAM design in Exocad software. Splints are manufactured using 3D printing technology. In the C-SS group, conventional splints are fabricated using alginate impressions, plaster casts, and manual adjustments on a semi-adjustable articulator.

This study aims to advance the understanding of digital technologies in managing TMD, providing evidence for their efficacy in improving occlusal balance and minimizing enamel wear.

Enrollment: 20 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. 18-40 years old
2. complete dentition
3. intact tooth
4. no occlusal disorder
5. stable jaw relation
6. No ongoing dental therapy, such as orthodontic or prosthodontics treatment.

Exclusion criteria

1. pregnant/lactating women
2. temporomandibular joint lesions found on clinical palpation or medical imaging examination
3. dentoalveolar pathology or ongoing treatment related to TMD
4. jaw opening less than 3 fingers
5. patients with occlusal dysfunctions
6. Patients with severe or moderate periodontitis.
7. Unable to undergo examination or treatment due to the presence of a psychological or mental disorder.
8. Severe jaw functional limitations.
9. Removable dentures or partially dentate patients
10. Trauma of recent date towards face, head or neck

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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20 participants in 2 patient groups

Fully Digital Stabilization Splint (FD-SS)

Experimental group

Description:

Description: Participants in this group will receive a stabilization splint fabricated using a fully digital workflow. The intervention includes: * Intraoral scanning of the maxillary and mandibular arches to create a digital model. * Jaw tracking using the Zebris JMA system to record mandibular movements. * CAD design of the splint using Exocad software. * Fabrication: 3D printing technology to manufacture the splint. Purpose: The FD-SS is designed to provide optimal occlusal stabilization, reduce TMJ stress, and minimize enamel wear over a 6-month period. Device Name: Fully Digital Stabilization Splint (FD-SS)

Treatment:

Device: stabilization splint

Conventional Stabilization Splint (C-SS)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Description: Participants in this group will receive a stabilization splint fabricated using conventional methods. The intervention includes: * Taking alginate impressions of the maxillary and mandibular arches to create plaster casts. * Jaw registration using a Lucia jig and a semi-adjustable articulator for occlusal adjustment. * Manual fabrication of the splint using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin. Purpose: The C-SS is designed to achieve occlusal stabilization and provide symptom relief for patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) over 6 months. Device Name: Conventional Stabilization Splint (C-SS)

Treatment:

Device: stabilization splint