Comparison between traditional and digital anterior repositioning splints on the upper airway in skeletal class II malocclusion with TMJ degenerative disease

This retrospective observational study compared the effects of traditional Anterior Repositioning Splint (ARS) and digital ARS on the upper airway of patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion and temporomandibular joint degenerative joint disease. A total of 110 patients were included and divided into two groups: the traditional ARS group (55 cases) and the digital ARS group (55 cases). Dolphin Image 11.95 software was used to measure the CBCT of the temporomandibular joint before and after treatment, and upper airway-related indicators were analyzed. Additionally, patient satisfaction and chairside adjustment time were assessed. The results showed that in the traditional group, the oropharyngeal volume and the total oronasopharyngeal volume significantly increased after treatment (P < 0.05), while there was no statistical difference in the nasopharyngeal volume and the minimum oropharyngeal cross-sectional area. In the digital group, the nasopharyngeal volume significantly increased after treatment (P < 0.05), and the other three indicators increased more significantly (P < 0.01). Intergroup comparisons of changes in upper airway indicators, only the minimum cross-sectional area, the digital group showed a significantly greater improvement than the traditional group (95%CI: 2.15-62.59; P = 0.023). There was no difference in the base tooth discomfort score between the two groups, but there were statistical differences in the degree of speech impact, foreign body sensation, appearance impact, opposing tooth discomfort, total satisfaction score, and chairside adjustment time (P < 0.05). The conclusion is that the digital anterior repositioning anatomical splint is superior to the traditional splint in terms of improvement effects on the upper airway, efficiency of clinical operations and patient satisfaction. Clinical trial number: KS20241029001.