Evaluation of Temporomandibular Disorders and Their Association With Tooth Wear Using Digital Methods

NCT07081204 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 22023.R1
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 120
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are considered complex conditions in dental practice due to their multifactorial etiology. Over the years, various diagnostic methods have been introduced; however, the most widely accepted model to explain the complexity of TMD is the biopsychosocial model. The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) Axis I and Axis II protocol is currently regarded as the gold standard for evaluating TMDs. Today, studies employing the DC/TMD framework are conducted in various populations. This study aims to assess the prevalence of TMD using updated diagnostic criteria. In addition, it seeks to evaluate the presence of tooth wear-one of the common clinical findings associated with TMD-through digital measurement and visual assessment tools, and to investigate its correlation with TMD. Specifically, the study will examine how changes in occlusal contact points due to bruxism and wear are reflected in functional changes within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the extent of tooth wear. The effects of both mild and severe tooth wear on TMJ health and their potential long-term implications for oral health will also be explored. The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of TMD in the general population using the DC/TMD Axis I and Axis II protocols and to evaluate the impact of tooth wear-measured via digital intraoral scanners-on TMD. Special attention will be given to how changes in occlusal contact due to bruxism and wear influence stress distribution and adaptive remodeling in TMJ structures. Furthermore, the study aims to compare the effects of mild versus severe tooth wear on joint function, ultimately contributing to the development of early diagnosis and intervention strategies. Additionally, this study seeks to highlight the effectiveness of digital technologies, such as intraoral scanners and 3D modeling, in evaluating the relationship between tooth wear and TMJ disorders. By doing so, the research aims to enhance the existing literature on the link between tooth wear and TMD and provide evidence-based guidance for clinical practice.

Conditions

Tooth Wear; Occlusal Wear of Teeth; Occlusal Analysis; TMJ; Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Keywords

Digital Dentistry; Temporomandibular Disorders; Tooth Wear

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Occlusal contact area percentage in posterior teeth (%)

  Occlusal contact area will be calculated as a percentage of the total occlusal surface area in posterior teeth. Digital impressions will be acquired using the Medit i700 intraoral scanner. Contact points will be identified with the Medit Occlusal Analyzer plugin, and contact areas will be measured from STL files using ImageJ software (version 1.54). The percentage will be computed by dividing the total occlusal contact area by the total occlusal surface area.

  Baseline (Day 1 of clinical evaluation)

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Tooth wear severity score assessed by TWES 2.0 (ordinal scale: 0-4)

  Baseline (Day 1 of clinical evaluation)

• Pain severity score using Graded Chronic Pain Scale v2.0 (unit: 0-4 categorical score)

  Baseline (Day 1 of clinical evaluation)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

This study includes individuals aged 18 years and older who have an adequate number of premolar and molar teeth in the posterior region, without systemic diseases, and without active dental pain or recent trauma to the face or neck. All participants were voluntarily selected from among patients who applied to the Department of Prosthodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry, Necmettin Erbakan University.

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 years and above
• Voluntary participation with signed informed consent
• Presence of a sufficient number of posterior teeth (premolars and molars)
• Willingness to undergo intraoral digital scanning
• Willingness to participate in occlusal contact analysis procedures

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of systemic diseases affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• Active dental pain at the time of evaluation
• Recent trauma to the facial or jaw region
• Current psychiatric or neurological disorders
• History of orthodontic treatment or extensive prosthetic rehabilitation
• Pathological jaw dysfunctions not related to parafunctional activity

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Konya Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi: lead

Study Sites (1)

Necmettin Erbakan University

Konya, Konya, 42090, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Tooth Wear; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Tooth Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases; Craniomandibular Disorders; Mandibular Diseases; Jaw Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Muscular Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: DDS

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 5, 2025
• First Posted: July 23, 2025
• Study Start: December 26, 2024
• Primary Completion: February 20, 2025
• Study Completion: May 30, 2025
• Last Updated: July 23, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Locations

TU (1)