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Not yet recruitingNCT07760428Updated Aug 12, 2026

Comparison of Conventional,3D Printed and Novel Hybrid Stabilization Splints in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

An interventional study of Conventional Stabilization Splints and 3d printed Stabilization splint in Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs), Myofascial Pain - Dysfunction Syndrome of TMJ and Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome, Temporomandibular Joint, sponsored by Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences Rohtak. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in India. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 60 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-12.

Sponsored by Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences Rohtak · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
36
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 60 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

Occlusal splint therapy is a well-established conservative approach for the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs); however, variability in clinical outcomes suggests that no single splint design is universally optimal. Conventional chairside stabilization splints are widely used and allow immediate intraoral adjustments; however, they are technique-sensitive and may compromise long-term fit and patient comfort. Conversely, 3D-printed occlusal splints provide superior precision, reproducibility, and material stability; however, their uniformly rigid structure may limit initial comfort and patient compliance, particularly in patients with acute pain or muscle tenderness.

To address these limitations, the researchers intend to develop an innovative hybrid occlusal splint i.e. Dual material 3D printed stabilization splint, that integrates both hard and soft components. This design aims to combine the biomechanical stability and occlusal precision characteristic of rigid splints with the cushioning effect and enhanced comfort provided by soft splints. The objective is to improve adaptation, compliance, and the sustained therapeutic efficacy of the splint.

Read the detailed description

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a diverse group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and associated structures, leading to pain, functional limitations, and impaired quality of life.5 They encompass more than 30 different conditions that may involve the TMJ, the surrounding masticatory muscles (such as the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles), or a combination of both.Occlusal splints have long been a cornerstone of TMD management due to their reversibility, simplicity, and efficacy in redistributing occlusal forces, reducing bruxism, and promoting neuromuscular adaptation.16 Understanding their diverse presentation, underlying risk factors, and biopsychosocial context is essential for effective assessment, diagnosis, and management.

02

Conditions studied

  • Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)
  • Myofascial Pain - Dysfunction Syndrome of TMJ
  • Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome, Temporomandibular Joint
  • Anterior Disc Displacement

Keywords

  • occlusal splints
  • temporomandibular disorders
  • temporomandibular joint disorders
  • muscle pain
  • myofascial pain
  • 3d printed occlusal splints
  • FDM
03

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 60 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients presenting with clinical symptoms of TMJ pain disorders were diagnosed using the DC/TMD criteria.
  • Age between 18 and 60.
  • The same number of original molars was used to avoid affecting periodontal proprioception and bite force.
  • The Patient's consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Pregnancy
  • Not willing to participate in the study
  • Healing disorders or systemic diseases where healing is compromised.
  • Allergic to PMMA, TPU, PETG or any other 3D printing or conventional prosthetic material.
  • Patients with epilepsy or any other neurological disorders.
  • Systemic Arthritis or any other osteo-degenerative disorder.
  • Acute TMJ trauma or fracture in \< 30 days.
  • Any obvious dental decay or periodontal disease to which fascial pain could be attributed.
  • Patient with psychiatric disorder or on anti-anxiety or anti-depressant drugs.
  • Patients with dental implants.
  • Any systemic condition associated with widespread pain such as in fibromyalgia.
04

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
36 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Active comparator
    Conventional Stabilization Splints

    Patients will be given conventional hard stabilization splints.

    Device: Conventional Stabilization Splints

  • Active comparator
    3D Printed stabilization splints

    Patients will be given single material 3D printed stabilization splints made of PETG.

    Device: 3d printed Stabilization splint

  • Experimental
    Hybrid Stabilization Splint

    Patients will be given Novel Hybrid stabilization splints made of PETG and TPU.

    Device: Novel hybrid stabilization splint

Interventions

  • DeviceConventional Stabilization Splints

    Conventional chairside stabilization splints for treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

  • Device3d printed Stabilization splint

    3d printed stabilization splint for treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

    Also known as: 3d printed single material stabilization splint

  • DeviceNovel hybrid stabilization splint

    3d printed hybrid stabilization splint for treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

    Also known as: novel hybrid dual material stabilization splint

05

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    To evaluate and contrast pain relief by using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).The scale ranges from 0 to 10 where 0 is the minimum VAS score and 10 is the maximum score. Score of 0 indicates no pain and score of 10 indicates maximum pain intensity.

    Time frame: Baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks

  2. Maximum Mouth Opening

    To evaluate functional improvement by Measuring the change in Maximum Mouth Opening (MMO) in millimetres from baseline to 1 month.

    Time frame: Baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks

  3. Maximum Bite Force

    To quantify masticatory efficiency by measuring changes in Maximum Bite Force (MBF) using a bite force analyser device.

    Time frame: baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Patient Compliance

    To evaluate patient compliance and comfort using Likert Scale. The Likert Scale is a 5-point scale where 1 is the minimum score and 5 is the maximum score. Score 1 indicates very dissatisfied and Score 5 indicates very satisfied.

    Time frame: Baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks

06

Study locations

1 site
  • Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak
    Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
07

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07760428
Lead sponsor
Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences Rohtak
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Aug 12, 2026
Start date
Aug 16, 2026 (estimated)
Primary completion
Oct 31, 2027 (estimated)
Completion
Dec 31, 2027 (estimated)
Last update
Aug 12, 2026

Study contacts

Dr. Subhadeepa Paul
Contact
Subhadeepa01@gmail.com
+918638461860
Dr. Harneet Singh, MDS
Contact
drharneetomdr@gmail.com
+919315903300
Dr. Harneet Singh, MDS
study director · Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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