Comparative Efficacy of Digital 3D-Printed and Conventional Stable Occlusal Splints in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of diseases that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles and associated structures.

Objective: This present study aims to explore the clinical comparative efficacy of digital 3D-printed and conventional handmade stable occlusal splints in the treatment of TMD and provide evidence for clinical promotion.

Methods: A total of 130 patients diagnosed with TMD using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. One group received conventional handmade occlusal splints, while the other group received digital 3D-printed splints. The treatment efficacy, craniomandibular index scores and splint fabrication time were compared between the two groups at follow-up.

Results: The findings indicated that digital 3D-printed stable occlusal splints offered comparable efficacy and satisfaction levels to traditional stabilisation splints while significantly cutting down on production time and enhancing overall efficiency. This study demonstrated that the use of fully digital technology, including digital intraoral scanning, virtual adjustments, computer-aided design and 3D printing, in fabricating occlusal splints for TMD patients not only maintained therapeutic effectiveness but also streamlined the production process.

Conclusions: Digital 3D-printed stable occlusal splints can not only alleviate TMD symptoms as effectively and satisfactorily as the conventional handmade stable splint, but also reduce production time and improve accuracy and efficiency, promising good clinical application prospects.

Keywords: 3D printing; cost‐effectiveness; occlusal splint; temporomandibular disorders; temporomandibular joint.