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

August 7, 2026 updated by: Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences Rohtak

Comparative Efficacy of Conventional, 3D-Printed, and Novel Hybrid Stabilization Splints in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial

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.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

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.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

36

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • India
    • Haryana
      • Rohtak, Haryana, India, 124001
        • Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

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:

  • 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.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Conventional Stabilization Splints
Patients will be given conventional hard stabilization splints.
Device: Conventional Stabilization Splints
Conventional chairside stabilization splints for treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Active Comparator: 3D Printed stabilization splints
Patients will be given single material 3D printed stabilization splints made of PETG.
Device: 3d printed Stabilization splint
3d printed stabilization splint for treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Other Names:
  • 3d printed single material stabilization splint
Experimental: Hybrid Stabilization Splint
Patients will be given Novel Hybrid stabilization splints made of PETG and TPU.
Device: Novel hybrid stabilization splint
3d printed hybrid stabilization splint for treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Other Names:
  • novel hybrid dual material stabilization splint

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks
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.
Baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks
Maximum Mouth Opening
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks
To evaluate functional improvement by Measuring the change in Maximum Mouth Opening (MMO) in millimetres from baseline to 1 month.
Baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks
Maximum Bite Force
Time Frame: baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks
To quantify masticatory efficiency by measuring changes in Maximum Bite Force (MBF) using a bite force analyser device.
baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Patient Compliance
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks
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.
Baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences Rohtak

Investigators

  • Study Director: Dr. Harneet Singh, MDS, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

August 16, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

October 31, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 31, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

August 7, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 7, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

August 12, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

August 12, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 7, 2026

Last Verified

August 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Subhadeepa Omr 26/39

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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