Occlusion and temporomandibular joint disorders: a meta-analysis of psychosocial outcomes
Abstract
Objectives
This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of occlusal therapy, specifically the use of occlusal splints, on psychosocial outcomes in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). While occlusal splints are commonly used to manage TMD symptoms, their impact on psychological and quality-of-life outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, oral health-related quality of life, sleep quality, and overall quality of life remains unclear.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies which assessed the psychosocial impacts of occlusal splint therapy in adult TMD patients. Eligible studies, published between 2000 and 2024, included quantitative measurements of the specified psychosocial outcomes. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to meta-analytic review. Effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses conducted to explore potential moderators.
Results
The overall findings suggest that occlusal splint therapy does not significantly improve anxiety, overall quality of life, nor sleep quality in patients presenting with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). The significant improvement observed in depression symptoms, while small, could imply a potential mental health benefit of splint therapy. Similarly, the improvement in oral health-related quality of life with occlusal splints indicates a specific benefit for oral health perceptions and related quality of life.
Conclusions
The meta-analysis suggests that occlusal splint therapy has a limited and variable impact on the psychosocial and quality of life outcomes for patients presenting with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
© 2025 Rongguang Liu, Ran Huang, Hui Jia, Qi Yang, Xiaqing Liu, Saba Kousar, Ying Li, published by Australian Society of Orthodontists Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.