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Updated: Oct 9, 2026
Reliability of Artificial Intelligence-Based Cone Beam Computed Tomography Integration with Digital Dental Images
Published on: February 23, 2024
Integrated imaging-CFD analysis to evaluate digitally guided stabilization splints and disc repositioning in
Juan Li1, Mengyi Wang2, Zhenze Yang3
1Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Objective:
Bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) frequently accompanies mandibular retrognathia. Comprehensive evaluations of stabilization splints regarding TMJ repositioning, craniofacial remodeling, and upper airway hemodynamics remain scarce. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of digitally guided stabilization splints (GSS) combined with modified open suturing (OSu) using MRI, CBCT, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Study Design:
Thirty-five patients with bilateral ADDWoR and mandibular retrognathia were divided into OSu-GSS (n = 20) and conventional stabilization splint (SS, n = 15) groups. TMJ structures, craniofacial characteristics, and upper airway functions were analyzed before and 6 months post-treatment.
Results:
At 6 months, the GSS-OSu group exhibited significant backward and upward disc repositioning (P < .001) alongside increased anteroposterior condylar diameters (P < .001), indicating favorable osteogenic remodeling. Craniofacial analysis showed significant counterclockwise rotation and anterior mandibular advancement (P < .01). Furthermore, CFD analysis revealed a significant decrease in local pressure drops within the lower oropharynx and hypopharynx (P < .05), signifying reduced airway resistance.
Conclusions:
In patients with bilateral ADDWoR and mandibular retrognathia, GSS-OSu effectively restores TMJ disc position, promotes condylar remodeling, and improves mandibular retrognathia via counterclockwise advancement. Multidimensional evaluations demonstrate concurrent improvements in maxillofacial morphology and upper airway ventilation, providing robust clinical evidence for GSS-OSu therapy.
