The Assessment of The Volumetric Occlusal Adjustments Required for Michigan Splints Fabricated Using Various Digital Bite Registrations

Background Temporomandibular disorders represented a common clinical condition affecting mandibular function and were frequently associated with parafunctional activities such as bruxism or clenching. Clinical features included orofacial pain, joint sounds, restricted mandibular movement, headaches, dental wear, and occlusal instability. Occlusal splints were commonly prescribed to reduce occlusal loading, protect dental structures, and establish a more favourable mandibular position.

Conventional occlusal splint fabrication relied on physical impressions, mechanical articulation, and manual occlusal adjustment. These processes were time-consuming and technique-sensitive. Digital dentistry introduced alternative workflows incorporating intraoral scanning, virtual articulation, and computer-aided design and manufacturing, with the aim of improving accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency.

Accurate digital recording of the maxillomandibular relationship remained a critical factor influencing occlusal outcomes. Digital bite registration techniques performed at intercuspal position or centric relation, with or without digital facebow transfer, were expected to affect occlusal accuracy and the extent of chairside adjustment required at delivery.

Virtual articulators were developed to simulate mandibular movements using digitally acquired data. These systems required accurate digital impressions, occlusal records, and appropriate orientation of the maxillary arch relative to craniofacial reference planes. Digital facebow systems enabled virtual transfer of maxillary position and were expected to improve mounting accuracy compared with average-value articulators alone.

Study objectives Primary Objectives