Digital production of an occlusal splint by a jaw movement analysis system and an average articulator: A preliminary study

Abstract

Aims To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and the volume of occlusal adjustment of digital occlusal splints designed using an average digital articulator and the Jaw Movement Analysis System (JMAS). Materials and methods A digital impression was taken intraorally from the maxillary and mandibular dentition and from the maxillomandibular relationship record in the centric relation position. Two pairs of occlusal splints were designed, one using an average digital articulator and the other using a digital articulator whose parameters were adjusted by the JMAS. Comparing the position and volume of adjustment of each occlusal splint before and after adjustment, and to subjectively evaluate the clinical efficacy of the occlusal splints. Results The subjective scores of the occlusal splints made using the average articulator parameters and the JMAS were 9 and 11, respectively. The objective evaluation of the occlusal splints revealed that the RMS value of the average occlusal splint was 0.1932 mm, while that of the customized occlusal splint was 0.1015 mm. Conclusions The occlusal splints made with the assistance of the JMAS had a lower volume of occlusal adjustment. The two occlusal splints fulfilled all clinical requirements.