The goal of this clinical study is to compare the performance of computer aided designed and computer aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) occlusal splints with splints produced with conventional methods. The main questions this clinical study aims to answer are: * Do CAD/CAM splints have the same therapeutic effect as the traditional splints ? * Do CAD/CAM splints demonstrate better surface wear and fit and lower wear in opposing jaw than traditional splints ? * Is objective pain evaluation of the patient better with CAD/CAM splints ? Participants were asked to use the splints for 6 months, 8 hours a day and come for follow-up appointments 3 times during this 6 month period: * Delivery appointment * First appointment: one week later after delivery appointment * Last appointment: 6 months after delivery appointment Researchers compared CAD/CAM groups with traditional group to see the clinical performance of the CAD/CAM groups.
24 patients applying to Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Prosthodontics and diagnosed with Diagnostic Criteria/ Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocol were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=8); PEEK group (PEEKG), PMMA group (PMMAG), and control group (CG). Dental stone casts of the upper and the lower jaws of the patients were obtained by condensation type silicone impression material and occlusal splints were fabricated in study groups with digital method (designed and milled, manufactured with CAD/CAM) either from PEEK blocks or PMMA blocks and in control group with traditional vacuum pressing machine and adapted by the clinician at chairside. The patients wore the splints for 6 months. Surface roughness, surface wear, fit of the splints and patient satisfaction as well as therapeutic effect of the splints were examined.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
24
Participants receiving splints produced with CAD/CAM from PEEK blocks,
Participants receiving splints produced with CAD/CAM from PMMA blocks,
Participants receiving splints from vacuum forming system
ıstanbul University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Measurement of occlusal surface change
Amount of material loss on the occlusal surface of the splints were determined by superimposition of the scannings which were obtained at the base line and at the end of the study. The surfaces were scanned with a professional reference scanner (Solutionix C500 Optical 3D Measuring System,2018,South Korea) and the data obtained were aligned for the best fit algorithm and digital evaluations were performed with the Geomagic Control (2021,USA) software program with an accuracy of 0.001 mm. Surface abrasions were determined by superposition at 24 different predetermined points.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Measurement of the opposing teeth hard tissue change
Hard tissue wear on opposing teeth were determined by superimposition of the casts of the patients which were obtained at the base line and at the end of the study. The cast models were scanned with a professional reference scanner (Solutionix C500 Optical 3D Measuring System,2018,South Korea) and the data obtained were aligned for the best fit algorithm. Evaluations were performed with the Geomagic Control (2021,USA) software program with an accuracy of 0.001 mm. Surface abrasions were determined by superposition at 30 different predetermined points.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Evaluation of the Fit of the splint
The cameo surfaces of the splints were scanned for the evaluation of integral accuracy of the splints and superimposed with the Standard Triangle Language (STL) data of dental arch. The maxillary cast models and the cameo surface of the occlusal splints were scanned with a professional reference scanner (Solutionix C500 Optical 3D Measuring System,2018,South Korea) and the data obtained were aligned for the best fit algorithm. Fit evaluations were performed with the Geomagic Control (2021,USA) software program with an accuracy of 0.001 mm. Surface abrasions were determined by superposition at 24 different predetermined points.
Time frame: Baseline
Pain change
Patients were examined according to DC/TMD (Diagnostic Criteria/ Temporomandibular Disorders) protocol and Clinical examination form of the DC/TMD protocol was used. The patients were examined before and after the treatment. The pain scores of masticatory muscles as well as pain during mandibular movements were recorded.
Time frame: baseline and 6 months
Subjective pain change
Patient's evaluations of their overall pain were with performed with VAS (Visual analogue scale). VAS scores ranges from 0 to 100 with the leftmost point indicating 'very poor' and the rightmost 'very good'. The patients were asked to report their pain before and after the treatment.
Time frame: baseline and 6 months
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