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The study "Exploring the Relationship Between Occlusion and Degenerative TMJ Disorders: A Comparative Clinical Study" investigated the efficacy of occlusal therapy in managing degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Conducted over 6 months with 150 patients, it compared three groups: occlusal therapy (Group 1), conventional treatment (Group 2), and routine care (Group 3). Group 1 showed significant improvements, including a 65% pain reduction, 51% better jaw function, slower joint degeneration, 64% less muscle tension, 24% improved jaw mobility, and enhanced quality of life, outperforming the other groups. The findings support occlusal therapy's role in multidisciplinary TMJ management, though long-term studies are needed.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occlusal Treatment Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive occlusal treatment, including bite correction procedures and the use of occlusal splints, for a duration of 6 months. Monthly follow-ups will be conducted to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. |
|
| Conventional Treatment Group | Active Comparator | Participants in this group will receive conventional TMJ therapy, including physical therapy, lifestyle modification counseling, and anti-inflammatory medications. Treatment is administered over 6 months with monthly clinical evaluations. |
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| Standard Care Group | No Intervention | Participants in this group will receive routine TMJ care involving only analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication as needed. No occlusal or physical therapy will be provided. Follow-up is conducted monthly for 6 months to assess standard care outcomes. |
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occlusal Splint and Bite Correction Therapy | Device | Participants receive individualized occlusal therapy involving occlusal splint use and bite correction (if needed). The treatment is applied continuously over a 6-month period. Monthly follow-up visits are conducted to monitor symptoms, adjust therapy, and evaluate radiographic changes in the TMJ. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in TMJ Pain Intensity (VAS Score) | Assessment of temporomandibular joint pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), scored from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). This outcome evaluates the effectiveness of occlusal treatment in reducing TMJ-related pain. | Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months |
| Change in Jaw Function (Jaw Function Limitation Scale - JFLS) | Measurement of jaw functionality using the JFLS, a patient-reported scale ranging from 0 (no limitation) to 20 (severe limitation). This assesses improvements in jaw movement and function following different interventions. | Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months |
| Radiographic Changes in TMJ Structure | Evaluation of TMJ degeneration using radiographic imaging (X-ray and MRI), including assessment of joint space narrowing, cartilage thinning, and subchondral bone changes. Quantitative imaging will compare structural changes across groups. | Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Adults aged 18 to 65 years
Clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, confirmed by:
Radiographic evidence (e.g., cartilage thinning, joint space narrowing)
Symptoms such as jaw pain, restricted jaw movement, or muscle tension
Ability to provide written informed consent
No recent trauma to the TMJ or oral structures
Exclusion Criteria:
Diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune joint conditions
Serious cardiovascular, neurological, or systemic disorders
Pregnant women
Patients with contraindications for orthodontic procedures or occlusal splint use
History of TMJ surgery
Uncontrolled bruxism or other parafunctional habits that require alternative treatment strategies
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| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Khalid University | Abhā | Saudi Arabia |
The individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to confidentiality concerns and institutional policies restricting the distribution of patient-level data. While aggregated data may be published in scientific reports, raw individual-level data will remain confidential to protect participant privacy.
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study involves three separate groups of participants receiving different interventions:
Group 1: Occlusal treatment
Group 2: Conventional therapy
Group 3: Standard management (control)
Each participant is assigned to one group only and continues in that group throughout the study. This design is characteristic of a parallel assignment, where participants in different groups receive different interventions simultaneously.
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| Conventional TMJ Therapy | Other | Participants undergo a 6-month conventional management program including pain medication (NSAIDs), physical therapy (jaw exercises, hot/cold therapy), and lifestyle guidance (diet modifications, stress reduction). Monthly clinical evaluations assess functional improvement and symptom reduction. |
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| Routine TMJ Care (Medication Only) | Other | Participants receive standard pharmacological management for TMJ disorders (e.g., NSAIDs or analgesics) with no occlusal or physical therapy interventions. Follow-up assessments occur monthly for 6 months to monitor symptom progression and response to minimal intervention. |
|
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D007592 | Joint Diseases |
| D000377 | Agnosia |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D009140 | Musculoskeletal Diseases |
| D010468 | Perceptual Disorders |
| D019954 | Neurobehavioral Manifestations |
| D009461 | Neurologic Manifestations |
| D009422 | Nervous System Diseases |
| D012816 | Signs and Symptoms |
| D013568 | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D017090 | Occlusal Splints |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D009989 | Orthotic Devices |
| D009983 | Orthopedic Equipment |
| D013523 | Surgical Equipment |
| D004864 | Equipment and Supplies |
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