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Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Feb 2020The best treatment strategy for disturbing temporomandibular clicking sounds is not known. The aim was to evaluate the effect of exercise and bite splint therapy,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Treatment outcome of supervised exercise, home exercise and bite splint therapy, respectively, in patients with symptomatic disc displacement with reduction: A randomised clinical trial.
The best treatment strategy for disturbing temporomandibular clicking sounds is not known. The aim was to evaluate the effect of exercise and bite splint therapy, respectively, in patients with symptomatic disc displacement with reduction. The study was a randomised clinical trial of subjects with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking sounds with a reported severity/intensity of ≥4 on a numerical rating scale (0-10) and signs fulfilling the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD) for disc displacement with reduction. Thirty subjects each were randomised to bite splint, home exercise, or supervised exercise programme at the clinic. Two examiners (authors), blinded to the treatment modality, examined the same subject at baseline and at a 3-month follow-up. Non-parametric statistical methods were applied for analyses. A P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. The dropout rate was highest in the home exercise group. About 50% of the participants reported improvement of their TMJ sounds with no significant difference between treatments. In the supervised exercise and the bite splint groups, approximately 2/3 of the patients reported 30% or more improvement of their TMJ sounds and half reported 50% improvement or more. The supervised exercise group also showed reductions in TMD pain, neck disability, mood disturbances and somatisation. Jaw exercise programmes and bite splint treatments had positive effects on TMJ clicking. The supervised exercise programme had an additional effect on the subject's well-being and thus may help to encourage patient's empowerment and coping strategies.
Topics: Humans; Joint Dislocations; Occlusal Splints; Splints; Temporomandibular Joint Disc; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31520538
DOI: 10.1111/joor.12888 -
BMC Oral Health Sep 2023Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc repositioning through open suturing (OSu) is a new disc repositioning method. Its result for adolescents with condylar resorption and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc repositioning through open suturing (OSu) is a new disc repositioning method. Its result for adolescents with condylar resorption and dentofacial deformities combined with and without postoperative occlusal splints (POS) has not been well studied.
OBJECTIVE
This study was to evaluate and compare the effects of OSu with and without POS in the treatment of TMJ anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR) in adolescent skeletal Class II malocclusion.
METHODS
A total of 60 adolescents with bilateral ADDwoR were enrolled in this study. They were randomly allocated into two groups: OSu with and without POS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lateral cephalometric radiographs were used to measure changes in condylar height and the degree of skeletal Class II malocclusion from before operation and at 12 months postoperatively. Changes in these indicators were compared within and between the two groups.
RESULTS
After OSu, both groups exhibited significant improvements in condylar height and occlusion at the end of 12 months follow-up (P < 0.05). The group of OSu with POS had significantly more new bone formation (2.83 ± 0.75 mm vs. 1.42 ± 0.81 mm, P < 0.001) and improvement in dentofacial deformity than the group of OSu only (P < 0.05). The new bone height was significantly correlated with POS (P < 0.001), the changes of SNB (P = 0.018), overjet (P = 0.012), and Wits appraisal (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
These findings indicated that OSu can effectively stimulate condylar regeneration and improve skeletal Class II malocclusion in adolescents with bilateral ADDwoR. The results are better when combined with POS.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial was prospectively registered on the chictr.org.cn registry with ID: ChiCTR1900021821 on 11/03/2019.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Dental Occlusion; Joint Dislocations; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Malocclusion, Angle Class II; Occlusal Splints; Temporomandibular Joint; Temporomandibular Joint Disc; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
PubMed: 37759222
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03402-3 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Dec 2023To systematically review studies on various occlusal splint materials and describe their mechanical and chemical properties. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review studies on various occlusal splint materials and describe their mechanical and chemical properties.
METHODS
MEDLINE (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 1, 2012, and December 1, 2022.
RESULTS
The 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.
CONCLUSIONS
The 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 RELEVANCE
This 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.
Topics: Humans; Occlusal Splints; Polymethyl Methacrylate; Flexural Strength; Splints; Water
PubMed: 37910242
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05360-0 -
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of... Mar 2021To measure polishability of occlusal splint materials manufactured by various methods.
OBJECTIVES
To measure polishability of occlusal splint materials manufactured by various methods.
METHODS
Seven occlusal splint materials manufactured by four different methods - Heat cured (Vertex Rapid simplified Clear), CAD-milled (Ceramill a-splint), Vacuum-formed (Proform splint) and 3D-printed (Freeprint Ortho, KeySplint Soft, DentaClear and FreePrint Splint 2.0) were tested for gloss, roughness, and surface hardness and elastic modulus. For all groups, the tests were repeated with the materials polished with three different polishing burs, pumice and high shine. All polishing procedures were standardised by applying the force of 1 N for 1 min at the set speed. 3D printed materials were further tested with additional specimens manufactured at different printing angles of 0°, 45° and 90°. Data was statistically analysed using ANOVA (SPSS Version 26) and MatLab (R2020a). Polished surfaces of each specimen were analysed under scanning electron microscope.
RESULTS
Vacuum-formed materials showed the highest polishability (80.61 ± 0.98 GU) with no statistical significance to heat-cured or CAD-milled (p = 1.00). Pumice and high shine polish significantly improved the gloss for all groups. The mean gloss and surface roughness for all 3D-printed materials ranged from 75.24 ± 25.05 GU to 0.18 ± 0.21 GU and 2.73 ± 3.18 μm to 0.06 ± 0.01 μm, which was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than heat-cured, CAD-milled and vacuum-formed materials. The highest hardness (0.40 ± 0.009 GPa), elastic modulus (6.06 ± 1.49 GPa) and gloss were found when materials were 3D-printed at 45°, with the lowest surface roughness.
CONCLUSION
Statistically significant differences in polishability were found among the different occlusal splint materials. The polishability and surface hardness of 3D-printed occlusal splint materials was influenced by the print angle. The 0° 3D-printed occlusal splint materials produced the highest gloss and the lowest surface roughness pre-polished, indicating that no polishing is required. While the 3D-printed occlusal splint materials at 45and 90° required polishing with burs, pumice and high shine to reduce the surface roughness, there were layering structures created during printing.
Topics: Dental Polishing; Hardness; Materials Testing; Occlusal Splints; Surface Properties
PubMed: 33341739
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.104270 -
Dental Materials Journal Nov 2022The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the wear and surface hardness of nine materials for conventional manufacturing, subtractive milling, and 3D printing of...
The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the wear and surface hardness of nine materials for conventional manufacturing, subtractive milling, and 3D printing of occlusal splints, as well as to evaluate the differences in wear and surface hardness between rigid and flexible 3D-printed occlusal splint materials. Two-body wear and Vickers hardness tests were performed. The vertical wear depth and Vickers hardness values were statistically analyzed. Vertical wear depth and surface hardness values were statistically significant among the investigated materials (p<0.05). The lowest vertical wear depth was observed for the heat-cured resin (27.5±2.4 μm), PMMA-based milled material (30.5±2.8 μm), and autopolymerizing resin (36.7±6.3 μm), with no statistical difference (p<0.05). Flexible 3D-printed and CAD-CAM milled polycarbonate-based splint materials displayed lower surface hardness and higher wear than the PMMA-based materials. PMMA-based splint materials displayed the most consistent surface hardness and wear resistance regardless of the manufacturing technology.
Topics: Occlusal Splints; Hardness; Polymethyl Methacrylate; Materials Testing; Computer-Aided Design; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Surface Properties
PubMed: 36288940
DOI: 10.4012/dmj.2022-100 -
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Nov 2023To review the materials and fabrications methods of occlusal splints with their advantages and shortcomings and to clarify the indications for each. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the materials and fabrications methods of occlusal splints with their advantages and shortcomings and to clarify the indications for each.
BACKGROUND
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of conditions affecting the masticatory system. Occlusal splints are currently recognised as a viable option for the management of TMDs when they are adopted in conjunction with additional approaches varying from conservative procedures (counselling, biofeedback, physical therapy, pharmacotherapy) to irreversible and less conservative ones (occlusal adjustments, orthodontics, arthroscopy and surgery). These splints can vary in design, function and material. The components used to fabricate the splints must withstand occlusal forces, be aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and minimally interfering with function and phonetics. Traditional methods for fabricating splints include sprinkle-on, thermoforming and lost wax techniques. However, with the advancement of CAD/CAM technology, additive (3D printing) and subtractive (milling) manufacturing methods expand the range of possibilities by introducing novel solutions for elaborating splints.
METHODS
An electronic search was conducted on PubMed using the following keywords: "occlusal splint", "guard and "materials", and "manufacturing." Thirteen in vitro publications were screened and they consisted of four clinical studies, nine reviews (three of them were systematic reviews), and five case reports.
CONCLUSION
The choice of material is crucial for the success of splint therapy. Factors such as biocompatibility, ease of fabrication, adjustability, cost and patient preference should be considered. Newer materials and techniques are emerging because of advancements in material science and manufacturing techniques. However, it should be noted that most of the evidence is based on in vitro studies with different methodologies, limiting their validity in daily practice.
PubMed: 37392157
DOI: 10.1111/joor.13550 -
Journal of Clinical Orthodontics : JCO Jul 2022
Topics: Humans; Occlusal Splints; Splints; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36067126
DOI: No ID Found -
Polymers Nov 2023Three-dimensional (3D)-printed occlusal splints are becoming more prevalent in the treatment of tooth substance loss due to their fast and cost-effective production. The...
Three-dimensional (3D)-printed occlusal splints are becoming more prevalent in the treatment of tooth substance loss due to their fast and cost-effective production. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate whether the mechanical properties (tensile strength-TS, modulus of elasticity in tension-ME, and Vickers hardness-HV) vary between the materials (printed dimethacrylate-based resins: Keyprint KeySplint soft-KEY, Luxaprint Ortho Plus-LUX, V-Print splint-VPR, printed methacrylate-based resins Freeprint splint 2.0-FRE, and milled methacrylate-based material, CLEAR splint-CLE), and the influence of aging processes (extraoral storage conditions and nightly or daily use) was examined. The printed methacrylate-based resins (FRE, LUX, and VPR) had much higher TS (43.7-48.5 MPa compared to 12.3-13.3 MPa), higher ME (2.01-2.37 GPa compared to 0.43-0.72 GPa), and higher HV (11.8-15.0 HV compared to 3.3-3.5 HV) than both of the methacrylate-based resins (KEY and CLE) after the production process. Although the TS, ME, and HV of the printed dimethacrylate resins (FRE, LUX, and VPR) decreased significantly under humid conditions with possibly elevated temperatures (thermocycling as well as 37 °C), these mechanical properties were significantly higher than both methacrylate-based resins (KEY and CLE). Therefore, printed dimethacrylate resins should be used rather than methacrylate-based resins for high expected masticatory forces, low wall thicknesses, or very long wearing times (≥6 months).
PubMed: 38232021
DOI: 10.3390/polym15234574 -
BMC Oral Health Mar 2023This systematic review aims to examine the existing original studies to determine the effectiveness of occlusal splints (OSs) in the management of orofacial myalgia and...
BACKGROUND
This systematic review aims to examine the existing original studies to determine the effectiveness of occlusal splints (OSs) in the management of orofacial myalgia and myofascial pain (MP) in comparison with no treatment or other interventions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this systematic review, randomized controlled trials were qualified, in which the effectiveness of occlusal splint therapy in the management of muscle pain was examined in comparison with no treatment or other interventions. This systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020. The authors searched three databases (PubMed, CINAHL (The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and Scopus) for English publications published between January 1, 2010, and June 1, 2022. The last database search was carried out on June 4, 2022. Data were extracted from the included studies and assessed for risk of bias using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were identified for inclusion in this review. In total, 589 patients were diagnosed with orofacial muscle pain who underwent education and various forms of therapy including different types of OSs, light emitting diode therapy, acupuncture, low-level laser therapy, device-supported sensorimotor training, Kinesio Taping, myofunctional therapy, and physical therapy. All studies included demonstrated a high risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence regarding whether OS therapy in the treatment of orofacial myalgia and MP offers an advantage over other forms of interventions or no treatment. Further reliable clinical studies in this area are needed to improve the quality of research, which should be performed with larger groups of blinded respondents and controls.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Due to the large-scale nature of orofacial muscle pain, it is assumed that each dental clinician will meet patients with orofacial muscle pain repeatedly in daily practice; hence, the review of the effectiveness of OSs in the management of orofacial myalgia and MP is necessary.
Topics: Humans; Myalgia; Occlusal Splints; Facial Pain
PubMed: 36978070
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-02897-0 -
Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica :... Feb 2022This retrospective study aimed to verify the outcomes of stabilising occlusal splint therapy prescribed to 22 patients with unilateral definite Ménière's disease and...
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study aimed to verify the outcomes of stabilising occlusal splint therapy prescribed to 22 patients with unilateral definite Ménière's disease and comorbid temporomandibular joint disorder.
METHODS
The results of a battery of audiometric and vestibular tests were recorded before and after 6 months of treatment, as well as the scores of disease-specific questionnaires.
RESULTS
The average hearing threshold in the affected ear and the acoustic immittance were unchanged. No spontaneous and positional nystagmus were recorded. Caloric hypo-responsiveness and vestibular myogenic evoked responses did not vary. No changes of stabilometric body sway parameters in eyes opened condition and with optokinetic stimulation delivered to the unaffected labyrinth were observed. A significant reduction was recorded in eyes closed condition and with the optokinetic stimulation toward the affected ear. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, the Situational Vertigo Questionnaire and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores improved. The number of vertigo attacks was reduced.
CONCLUSIONS
Occlusal splint therapy is a favourable option to reduce aural symptoms of Ménière's disease and comorbid temporomandibular joint disorder, even if its pathophysiological mechanism remains elusive.
Topics: Humans; Meniere Disease; Occlusal Splints; Retrospective Studies; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Vestibule, Labyrinth
PubMed: 35129540
DOI: 10.14639/0392-100X-N1641