Evaluation of volumetric wear loss and pain scores of the digitally and conventionally manufactured occlusal splints for individuals with sleep bruxism

Introduction

Sleep bruxism is when you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping. This can lead to tooth wear and jaw problems. The most common treatment is wearing an occlusal splint to help protect your teeth.

Study Purpose

This study looked at how much wear and pain different types of occlusal splints cause in people with sleep bruxism. We compared splints made using digital technology with those made traditionally.

Study Details

We included 30 diagnosed individuals with sleep bruxism, who were split into two groups randomly. We measured pain levels using a simple scale and monitored the wear of the splints with special software.

Findings

After six months, the traditional splints lost more material (103.53 units) compared to the digital ones (62.33 units). However, both types had similar pain scores, indicating that they were equally effective in reducing discomfort.

Conclusion

The wear of occlusal splints can affect how well they work. Our study shows that digital splints may last longer and offer better long-term benefits. This emphasizes the need for using durable materials in splint manufacturing.

Opportunities for Clinics and Patients

Based on our findings, clinics should aim to measure:

The amount of splint wear over time.
Patient pain levels before and after using the splints.

AI Tools for Clinical Needs

Choosing the right AI solutions can help track the performance of splints effectively. Consider tools that can analyze wear data and patient feedback.