Explore the vast range of titles available.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of CAD/CAM-fabricated bite splints in dependence of fabrication method (milling vs 3D printing), positioning (horizontal vs vertical), selection of material, and method of deviation measurement.Materials and methodsBite splints were 3D-printed in either horizontal or vertical position (n = 10) using four different resins (Dental LT, Ortho Clear, Freeprint Splint, V-Splint). As control, ten bite splints were fabricated by CNC milling (ProArt CAD Splint). The splints were scanned and deviations between the CAD-file (trueness) and between each other within one group (precision) were measured by two different software applications and methods (cloud-to-cloud vs cloud-to-mesh). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests.ResultsThe highest impact on accuracy was exerted by the selection of the material (trueness: ηP2 = 0.871, P < 0.001; precision: ηP2 = 0.715, P < 0.001). Milled splints showed the highest trueness (P < 0.01) but not the highest precision at the same time. Horizontally positioned 3D-printed bite splints showed the least deviations in terms of trueness while vertical positioning resulted in the highest precision. The cloud-to-cloud method showed higher measured deviations than the other methods (P < 0.001–P = 0.002).ConclusionMilled splints show higher trueness than 3D-printed ones, while the latter reveal higher reproducibility. The calculated deviations vary according to the measurement method used.Clinical relevanceIn terms of accuracy, milled and 3D-printed bite splints seem to be of equal quality.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hard, soft, and semi-soft splints on TMJ vibrations in bruxers with JVA and to compare them with data obtained from asymptomatic individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 64 individuals were divided into four subgroups: control (n = 15); and hard (n = 17), soft (n = 16), and semi-soft (n = 16) splints. Electrovibratography records from all individuals included in the study before and after the 3-month splint treatment were obtained with the Biopak® System. Joint vibration analysis was used to evaluate TMJ sounds. Data normality was examined with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Levene tests. The significance of the differences was investigated by One-Way ANOVA and by the Kruskal–Wallis test. Conover’s multiple comparison test was used in post hoc tests. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06893744, on 24 March 2025, titled; Effects of Different Occlusal Splints). Results: After 3 months of treatment, for I < 300 Hz right opening, the control group was statistically lower than both semi-soft (p < 0.001) and hard (p < 0.001) splint groups. The difference between semi-soft and hard splints in post-treatment I < 300 Hz right opening is not statistically significant. After 3 months of treatment compared with the beginning, the increases in left-opening Ti (p = 0.004), I < 300 Hz (p = 0.004), and PA (p = 0.007) values in the soft splint group were statistically significant. Conclusions: All three kinds of splints improved clinical symptoms and complaints of bruxers. For joint vibrations in bruxers, hard and semi-soft splints are more beneficial than soft splints.

Background Sleep bruxism is a prevalent condition in dentistry practice, characterized by involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep. Several therapies, including occlusal splints, have been used to manage sleep bruxism and temporomandibular disorders, including occlusal splints. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different occlusal splints in managing sleep bruxism. Methods The PICO framework encompasses the characterization of the population, intervention, comparison, and pertinent outcomes. A comprehensive and systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify grey literature. The search specifically targeted scientific studies published before September 20, 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool assessed the accuracy of the included Randomized Control Trials (RCTs). The modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale assessed non-randomized studies. Data were systematically extracted, synthesized, and reported thematically. Results Out of the total of 808 articles that were evaluated, only 15 articles were found to meet the specified inclusion criteria. Adjustable splints, such as full-occlusion biofeedback splints, were more effective in reducing sleep bruxism episodes, improving patient-reported symptoms, and enhancing overall well-being. The impact of different occlusal sprints on electromyographic activity varies, and potential adverse effects should be considered individually. Conclusions This review provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of occlusal splints in managing sleep bruxism. The results of this study indicate that occlusal splint therapy is a viable treatment approach for sleep bruxism.

To compare laboratory production time, clinical adjustment time, and patient-reported comfort of three occlusal splint fabrication techniques (heat-cured acrylic, vacuum-adapted acrylic, and CAD-CAM 3D-printed splints) in a pilot feasibility study. Three participants each received three splints, one fabricated with each technique. Laboratory production time, chairside adjustment time, and comfort (VAS) were recorded. Vacuum-adapted splints required the shortest laboratory production time (mean = 92 min, SD = 25.35). Heat-cured splints required longer processing (mean = 114 min, SD = 6.08). The CAD-CAM splints showed the longest total workflow duration (mean = 133 min, SD = 6.08), although they required less manual technician work. Intraoral adjustment times were similar between heat-cured and vacuum-adapted splints (means = 28 min and 26.66 min, respectively). None of the CAD-CAM splints seated fully at delivery, preventing proper adjustment. Vacuum-adapted splints received the highest comfort scores. Within the limitations of this pilot study with three participants, vacuum-adapted and heat-cured splints showed clinically acceptable performance and comparable adjustment times. CAD-CAM splints reduced manual workload but suffered from significant seating and fit issues, indicating the need for workflow refinement before clinical implementation. Even as splint fabrication is moving towards a more digital workflow, the old methods, especially vacuum-adapted splints, continue to deliver timely and comfortable results to patients. Further studies with more participants need to be done so that there can be a clear digital splint fabrication workflow.

Background Three-dimensional (3D) detailed evaluations of the mandibular mediolateral position, mandibular condylar position, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) spaces following stabilization splints (SS) therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and mandibular deviation (MD) have not been reported in the available literature. Accordingly, this study aimed to three-dimensionally analyze the skeletal and bony temporomandibular joint changes following stabilization splint therapy in adult patients with temporomandibular joint disorders and mandibular deviation. Methods This study is a retrospective clinical study that enrolled 26 adult patients with TMD and MD with a mean age of 24.86 years. The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) was used to diagnose TMD. SS was adjusted weekly until occlusal contact stabilization occurred, and then adjusted monthly, patients were instructed to wear it at night for at least 10 h. The SS was removed after the elimination of TMD symptoms (TMJ/muscle pain on palpation, muscle spasm, and clicking) and having both condyles completely seated in a musculoskeletally stable position. Pre- and post-therapeutic Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was analyzed. Mandibular mediolateral position, TMJ spaces, and mandibular condyle position were analyzed three-dimensionally using Mimics 21.0 software. Paired t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test was performed, and the significance level was considered at P  < 0.05. Results The treatment period with SS therapy was 10.07 ± 3.1 months. The deviated chin was improved in 69.23% of the sample; the range of improvement was > 0 mm ≤ 3.9 mm. The mandibular rotation was significantly decreased from 3.58 ± 2.02° to 3.17 ± 1.60. The deviated side’s superior and posterior joint TMJ spaces were significantly increased from 2.49 ± 0.88 mm and 1.25 ± 0.79 mm to 2.98 ± 1.02 mm and 1.86 ± 0.72 mm, respectively. The value of the difference from the bilateral condyle head position to the X and Z axes significantly decreased from 2.50 ± 1.56 mm and 2.30 ± 1.57 mm to 1.64 ± 1.58 mm and 1.82 ± 1.11 mm, respectively. Conclusion The main positional effect of the stabilization splint treatment in TMD patients with MD includes considerable correction of mandibular deviation, improving facial asymmetry, and moving the condyle into a stable condylar position; these were done by promoting the mandible to rotate around the Z (roll) and Y (yaw) axes and by forward, downward, and outward condylar movement on the deviated side, respectively.

ObjectiveTo systematically review studies on various occlusal splint materials and describe their mechanical and chemical properties.MethodsMEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science searches were conducted for in vitro studies focusing on occlusal splint materials. Two reviewers performed an assessment of the identified studies and data abstraction independently, and this was complimented by an additional hand search. The articles were limited to those in the English language that were published between January 1st, 2012, and December 1st, 2022.ResultsThe initial search yielded 405 search results of which 274 were selected for full-text review following abstract evaluation. 250 articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, and the remaining 25 articles (with 1 article identified from the reference lists of included articles) providing mechanical and chemical values were used in this review. Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) -based occlusal splint materials showed the highest values in terms of hardness, wear resistance, flexural strength, flexural modulus, e-modulus, and fracture toughness. The material group with the highest water sorption and water solubility was 3D printed (PR) splint materials. In addition, the lowest degree of double bond conversion was also observed in this group of materials.ConclusionsThe outcome of this review suggests that mechanically and chemically acceptable properties can be attained with PMMA-based occlusal splint materials using both conventional and digital production methods. PR splint materials should not be considered as the primary choice for long-term treatments due to their low mechanical and chemical properties.Clinical RelevanceThis review provides clinical recommendations for selecting the appropriate material and fabrication method for occlusal splints while taking the patients’ needs and the materials´ mechanical and chemical properties into account.

Objective To compare the treatment effectiveness of digitized and 3D-printed repositioning splints with that of conventional repositioning splints in the treatment of anterior displacement of the temporomandibular joint disc. Methods This retrospective study included 96 patients with disc displacement of the anterior temporomandibular joint. They were treated with either digitally designed and 3D-printed repositioning splints or traditional splints and followed up for at least six months. Changes in signs and symptoms such as pain and mouth opening before and after treatment were recorded to evaluate treatment outcomes. Results During the first month of treatment, both the digitally designed and 3D-printed repositioning splint groups (Group B) and the traditional repositioning splint group (Group A) showed significant increases in mouth opening, with increases of 4.93 ± 3.06 mm and 4.07 ± 4.69 mm, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Both groups had a significant reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, with Group B showing a greater reduction of 1.946 ± 1.113 compared to 1.488 ± 0.978 in Group A ( P  < 0.05). By the sixth month, Group B’s mouth opening further improved to 38.65 ± 3.22 mm ( P  < 0.05), while Group A’s mouth opening did not significantly improve. Regarding pain, Group A’s VAS score decreased by 0.463 ± 0.778 after one month, and Group B’s score decreased by 0.455 ± 0.715; both groups showed significant reductions, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion Compared with traditional repositioning splints, digitally designed and 3D-printed repositioning splints are more effective at reducing patient pain and improving mouth opening. 3D-printed repositioning splints are an effective treatment method for temporomandibular joint disc displacement and have significant potential for widespread clinical application.

There is still a gap in the scientific knowledge on the linkage between craniofacial structure and spinal postural control in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. This systematic review aimed to assess the role of occlusal splints on spinal posture of TMD patients. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception until 5 January 2022 to identify observational studies with a longitudinal study design presenting: patients with diagnosis of TMD according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD); occlusal splint therapy as intervention; postural assessment as outcome. Out of 133 records identified, 104 were suitable for data screening, and only 7 articles were included satisfying the eligibility criteria. We found that occlusal splints might have a positive effect on posture in TMD patients, albeit there is little evidence of appropriate investigation for postural assessment. This systematic review suggested that the occlusal splint might be considered a non-invasive therapeutic approach for patients with TMD. However, the low number of studies with high-quality methodology in these patients showed an urgent need for further research using combined force platform stabilometry and kinematic evaluation of the spine to investigate the impact of occlusal splints on posture.

Background TMDs are frequently occurring musculoskeletal disorders that affect the orofacial region, leading to pain and functional limitations. Among conservative treatments, centric stabilization splints are widely used, but their superiority over other noninvasive therapies remains uncertain. Objective To systematically review and quantitatively evaluate the clinical effectiveness of centric stabilization occlusal splints versus other conservative managements in TMD patients. Methods Literature was searched in Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, WoS, EMBASE, and LILACS from 2000 to 2023. The study included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared centric stabilization splints to other conservative therapies. The main outcome assessed was the reduction in pain, determined through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The quality of the evidence was appraised using the GRADE framework. Meta-analysis employed a random effect model. Results The analysis encompassed eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included more than 400 participants. The combined standardized mean difference (SMD) found that centric stabilization splints had a substantial advantage in reduction of pain (SMD = 0.75; with 95% confidence interval: 0.32 to 1.18; p < 0.01). The evidence was assessed as moderately certain. Sensitivity analysis excluding high-risk studies showed minimal change in effect (SMD = 0.72). Functional outcomes and quality-of-life metrics were also identified as additional advantages. Conclusion Centric stabilization splints demonstrate clinically meaningful short-term pain relief in TMD compared to other conservative treatments. Their use is supported in patients with myogenous TMD, but long-term outcomes require further validation.