WCPR 2027

Introduction: Occlusal splints remain a cornerstone of the conservative management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism, which is increasingly delivered by multidisciplinary teams including physical medicine and rehabilitation. Digital workflows, combining intraoral scanning, computer-aided design and fabrication by milling or 3D printing, are increasingly proposed as an alternative to conventional laboratory techniques.

Objective: To provide an update on digital occlusal splints, covering workflows, materials, clinical performance and current limitations, from the perspective of coordinated rehabilitative care.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted of recent systematic reviews, randomised trials and in vitro studies comparing digital and conventional splints. The outcomes analysed were fit and chairside adjustment, mechanical properties and ageing, pain and function, patient-reported outcomes, and fabrication time and cost.

Results: Digital splints appear to provide clinical outcomes comparable to those of conventional splints in TMD and bruxism, with fewer adjustments at delivery, simplified digital archiving and easy duplication. Some trials report better patient-reported comfort, although the certainty of evidence is low. Mechanical behaviour depends on the fabrication mode and the material: milled and conventional heat-cured splints remain the reference for long-term use, whereas 3D-printed resins show lower flexural strength and greater sensitivity to ageing. Equipment cost, the learning curve and the heterogeneity of published studies remain obstacles.

Conclusion: Digital splints are a reliable and efficient alternative to conventional fabrication, but the choice between milling and 3D printing should be guided by the expected duration of wear and the occlusal load. The splint is one component of a global programme that also includes education, jaw exercises and physiotherapy, and close collaboration between dentists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians and physiotherapists remains essential. Standardised randomised trials with long follow-up are needed.

Keywords: digital occlusal splint; CAD/CAM; 3D printing; temporomandibular disorders; bruxism; rehabilitation

Professor Zenati Latifa is affiliated with the University of Health Science in Algiers, Algeria. She is associated with the academic and healthcare sector, with an interest in contributing to scientific knowledge and professional collaboration. Professor Zenati Latifa has expressed interest in participating in a Virtual Poster Presentation, providing an opportunity to share research findings and engage with the international scientific community.