Conventional, Additive and Subtractive Occlusal Splints for TMDs

Patient Satisfaction With Conventional, Additive and Subtractive Occlusal Splints for TMDs: A Clinical Randomized Trial

This study is aiming to clinically compare between occlusal splints produced by conventional, subtractive and additive techniques in regard to patient satisfaction.

The development of a digital (CAD/CAM) technology incorporating three-dimensional (3D) printing and milling enabled the use of different materials 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. To the authors knowledge, limited data in the literature clinically evaluated occlusal splints produced by conventional, subtractive and additive techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients complaining of pain in the orofacial region (either arthrogenous and/or myogenous TMD) in the last 3 months.
• Patients never underwent any type of treatment for TMD's.
• Patients should have at least six natural teeth in each quadrant.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any systemic condition associated with widespread pain (e.g., fibromyalgia).
• Medical history of current drug addiction.
• Patients with psychiatric disorder.