Occlusal splint effects on visual capacities in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a prospective interventional cohort study

Abstract Objectives The temporomandibular joint system and visual apparatus seem to be correlated. Our study aimed to examine the potential effects of occlusal splints on visual capacities (accommodation and ocular convergence) in individuals with temporomandibular disorders, followed for a period o...

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Main Authors: Shahnawaz Khijmatgar, Gianluca Martino Tartaglia, Andrea Sardella, Alessandro Marchesi, Roberto Marchesi, Clarita Pellegrini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2025-06-01
Series:BDJ Open
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41405-025-00337-5
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author Shahnawaz Khijmatgar
Gianluca Martino Tartaglia
Andrea Sardella
Alessandro Marchesi
Roberto Marchesi
Clarita Pellegrini
author_facet Shahnawaz Khijmatgar
Gianluca Martino Tartaglia
Andrea Sardella
Alessandro Marchesi
Roberto Marchesi
Clarita Pellegrini
author_sort Shahnawaz Khijmatgar
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Objectives The temporomandibular joint system and visual apparatus seem to be correlated. Our study aimed to examine the potential effects of occlusal splints on visual capacities (accommodation and ocular convergence) in individuals with temporomandibular disorders, followed for a period of 6 months and 1 year, assessing changes over this timeframe. Materials and methods Forty-two subjects were enrolled in a year-long study conducted at the Operative Unit of Odontostomatology of ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, in collaboration with the University of Milan, Italy. A gnathological examination was followed by an orthoptic assessment using the stick of Duane and measuring convergence and accommodation at three jaw positions at different time points (T0, T1, T2, T3). Results After 6 months of occlusal splint therapy, an improvement in visual abilities at maximum intercuspation and resting positions was observed. In contrast, the open-mouth position did not yield statistically significant results. Further assessments at 1 year did not show significant changes. Occlusal splint therapy appears to positively influence visual capacities (in maximum intercuspation and resting positions). While the open-mouth position did not exhibit significant improvements. Conclusion Our study results highlight the importance of considering jaw positions in evaluating visual function, suggesting the possible integration of occlusal splints with an orthoptic assessment in comprehensive TMD management.
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spelling doaj-art-a0f32c76641f4aeab6d9ad55b942d8c82025-08-20T03:21:02ZengNature Publishing GroupBDJ Open2056-807X2025-06-011111710.1038/s41405-025-00337-5Occlusal splint effects on visual capacities in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a prospective interventional cohort studyShahnawaz Khijmatgar0Gianluca Martino Tartaglia1Andrea Sardella2Alessandro Marchesi3Roberto Marchesi4Clarita Pellegrini5Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of MilanDepartment of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of MilanDepartment of Gnathology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of MilanDepartment of Gnathology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of MilanDepartment of Ophthalmology, Vizzolo Predabissi HospitalDepartment of Gnathology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of MilanAbstract Objectives The temporomandibular joint system and visual apparatus seem to be correlated. Our study aimed to examine the potential effects of occlusal splints on visual capacities (accommodation and ocular convergence) in individuals with temporomandibular disorders, followed for a period of 6 months and 1 year, assessing changes over this timeframe. Materials and methods Forty-two subjects were enrolled in a year-long study conducted at the Operative Unit of Odontostomatology of ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, in collaboration with the University of Milan, Italy. A gnathological examination was followed by an orthoptic assessment using the stick of Duane and measuring convergence and accommodation at three jaw positions at different time points (T0, T1, T2, T3). Results After 6 months of occlusal splint therapy, an improvement in visual abilities at maximum intercuspation and resting positions was observed. In contrast, the open-mouth position did not yield statistically significant results. Further assessments at 1 year did not show significant changes. Occlusal splint therapy appears to positively influence visual capacities (in maximum intercuspation and resting positions). While the open-mouth position did not exhibit significant improvements. Conclusion Our study results highlight the importance of considering jaw positions in evaluating visual function, suggesting the possible integration of occlusal splints with an orthoptic assessment in comprehensive TMD management.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41405-025-00337-5
spellingShingle Shahnawaz Khijmatgar
Gianluca Martino Tartaglia
Andrea Sardella
Alessandro Marchesi
Roberto Marchesi
Clarita Pellegrini
Occlusal splint effects on visual capacities in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a prospective interventional cohort study
BDJ Open
title Occlusal splint effects on visual capacities in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a prospective interventional cohort study
title_full Occlusal splint effects on visual capacities in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a prospective interventional cohort study
title_fullStr Occlusal splint effects on visual capacities in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a prospective interventional cohort study
title_full_unstemmed Occlusal splint effects on visual capacities in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a prospective interventional cohort study
title_short Occlusal splint effects on visual capacities in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a prospective interventional cohort study
title_sort occlusal splint effects on visual capacities in patients with temporomandibular disorders tmd a prospective interventional cohort study
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41405-025-00337-5
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