Effect of Occlusal Splints on the Stress Distribution on the Temporomandibular Joint Disc

Abstract Conservative approach, including occlusal splint therapy, is the first option to treat temporomandibular disorders (TMD), because of its reversibility. The present study analyzed the effect of the articular disc position and occlusal splints use on the stress distribution on this disc. A two-dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) model of the temporomandibular joint with the articular disc at its physiologic position was constructed based on cone-beam computed tomography. Three other FE models were created changing the disc position, according to occlusal splint use and anterior disc displacement condition. Structural stress distribution analysis was performed using Marc-Mentat package. The equivalent von Mises stress was used to compare the study factor. Higher stress concentration was observed on the intermediate to anterior zone of the disc, with maximum values over 2MPa. No relevant difference was verified on the stress distribution and magnitude comparing disc positions and occlusal splint use. However, there was stress reduction arising from the use of the occlusal splints in cases of anterior disc displacement. In conclusion, based on the generated FE models and established boundary conditions, the stress increased at the intermediate zone of the TMJ disc during physiological mandible closure. The stress magnitude was similar in all tested situations

Resumo Abordagens conservadoras, incluindo o uso de placas oclusais, são as primeiras opções de tratamento para disfunção temporomandibular (DTM), devido à sua reversibilidade. O presente estudo analisou o efeito da posição do disco articular e do uso de placa oclusal na distribuição de tensões no disco. Um modelo bidimensional (2D) de articulação temporomandibular (ATM) em posição fisiológica, foi desenvolvido para análise pelo método de elementos finitos, baseado em imagens de tomografia computadorizada do tipo cone-beam. Três outros modelos foram criados alterando a posição do disco de acordo com o uso de placa oclusal e condição de deslocamento anterior do disco. Uma análise estrutural da distribuição de tensões foi realizada no software Marc-Mentat, e equivalente Von Mises foi usado para comparar os fatores em estudo. Maior concentração de tensão foi observada na zona intermediária para a zona anterior do disco, atingindo valores máximos acima de 2 MPa. Nenhuma diferença relevante foi verificada na localização e magnitude das tensões quando comparadas as posições do disco e uso de placa oclusal. No entanto, houve pequena redução das tensões decorrente do uso de placa oclusal em caso de deslocamento anterior do disco. Conclui-se que mediante os modelos criados e condições de contorno estabelecidas, as tensões na zona intermediária do disco aumentam durante o fechamento mandibular fisiológico. A magnitude das tensões foi semelhante em todas as situações testadas

Effect of Occlusal Splints on the Stress Distribution on the Temporomandibular Joint Disc.

Conservative approach, including occlusal splint therapy, is the first option to treat temporomandibular disorders (TMD), because of its reversibility. The present study analyzed the effect of the articular disc position and occlusal splints use on the stress distribution on this disc. A two-dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) model of the temporomandibular joint with the articular disc at its physiologic position was constructed based on cone-beam computed tomography. Three other FE models were created changing the disc position, according to occlusal splint use and anterior disc displacement condition. Structural stress distribution analysis was performed using Marc-Mentat package. The equivalent von Mises stress was used to compare the study factor. Higher stress concentration was observed on the intermediate to anterior zone of the disc, with maximum values over 2MPa. No relevant difference was verified on the stress distribution and magnitude comparing disc positions and occlusal splint use. However, there was stress reduction arising from the use of the occlusal splints in cases of anterior disc displacement. In conclusion, based on the generated FE models and established boundary conditions, the stress increased at the intermediate zone of the TMJ disc during physiological mandible closure. The stress magnitude was similar in all tested situations.

Correlation between temporomandibular disorders, occlusal factors and oral parafunction in undergraduate students

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in undergraduate students and to correlate its prevalence with occlusal factors and parafunctional habits. Methods: 201 undergraduate students were evaluated. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) was filled out at the beginning of the study, followed by occlusal analysis based on morphological and functional alterations. The identification of tooth grinding and clenching was carried out by self-reports. Statistical analysis was based on chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analyses. p-value for all statistical analysis was set at 5%. Results: According to RDC/TMD, 18.4% of subjects experienced myofascial pain (G-MPD), and 12.4% had joint disorder with disc displacement (G-DD). Tooth clenching was statistically associated with TMD (p=0.000). In the occlusal factors, overjet showed statistically significant correlation only with myofascial pain. No association between functional alteration and TMD was found. No statistically significant correlation was found between G-DD and occlusal alterations or parafunctional habits. Conclusions: Overjet and tooth clenching were correlated with G-MPD. Occlusal alterations or parafunctional habits did not show correlation with G-DD.