Background:
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are conditions that affect the jaw and muscles; they may cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Occlusal stabilization splints are commonly employed as interocclusal devices to manage symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The fabrication of stabilization splints can be achieved via conventional & digital workflows. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of digitally fabricated occlusal splints in comparison to conventional splints in management of TMDs.
Methods:
Forty eligible patients were selected from the outpatient clinic in the faculty of dentistry, October University of Modern Since & Arts MSA, Cairo, Egypt. Selected patients were randomly allocated into two groups using sealed envelopes. Group A received stabilization repositioning occlusal splint with conventional technique. Group B received occlusal splints made by intraoral scan and digitally designed to desire occlusal contacts and 3D printed.
Results:
Comparing the two groups to each other's VAS scores & MMO at the baseline and through the follow-up intervals, there was a non-significant difference between them (p > 0.05). Comparing the chairside time of the two groups at acquisition, there was a non-significant difference (p > 0.05) between them at delivery; Group B had a significant decrease (p≤ 0.05) of chairside time.
Conclusion:
It can be concluded that both conventional splints & digitally fabricated occlusal splints showed successful results in managing muscular TMDs. Chairside time was greatly decreased by the digital workflow, providing a suitable alternative to the conventional methods.