EVALUATION OF EFFICACY AND PROCEDURE OF 3D-PRINTED OCCUSAL SLPINT IN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER MANAGEMENT

Thanh Tùng Khiếu, Thu Hằng Nguyễn, Thu Trà Nguyễn, Quốc Tân Đặng, Văn Quang Nguyễn

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Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and procedural feasibility of 3D-printed occlusal splints in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: A prospective, uncontrolled pilot study was conducted on fifteen patients aged from 18 years diagnosed with TMD based on the 2014 DC/TMD criteria. All patients underwent intraoral scanning, CAD-based design, and 3D printing of maxillary stabilization splints using SLA technology. Splints were delivered in a single session with adjustment times recorded. Outcomes were assessed after one week, including patients’ subjective comfort and clinical improvement. Results: A total of 86.7% of patients reported symptom relief. The average clinical chairside time was 20.7 minutes, and 33.3% of splints required no post-insertion adjustment. No statistically significant associations were found between treatment outcomes and demographic or occlusal characteristics. However, discomfort while wearing the splint tended to correlate with less favorable outcomes (p = 0.257). Conclusion: 3D-printed occlusal splints demonstrated promising short-term clinical outcomes and procedural convenience in managing TMD. Larger-scale, controlled studies with objective outcome measures are needed to validate these findings and evaluate associated factors.

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References

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