Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years - 85Years
All Genders
ID07445516

Physiologically Oriented Occlusal Equilibration Versus Sham Therapy for Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders: 10 Years Post-Trial Follow-Up

Led by Urbano Santana Penin · Updated on 2026-03-04

110

Participants Needed

2

Research Sites

8 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect the muscles used for chewing, the jaw joints, and nearby structures. The causes of TMDs are often unclear and involve multiple factors. While many patients find relief with conservative treatments or no active intervention, about 3% develop persistent TMD pain, causing significant personal suffering and social and economic challenges. Researchers are studying the long-term effectiveness of Physiologically Oriented Occlusal Equilibration (POOE), a treatment used since 1985 at the University of Santiago de Compostela, which aims to correct chewing patterns and protect the jaw joints from overload. This single-blind observational study compares POOE with sham therapy to evaluate pain reduction and disease improvement over at least 10 years. This study observes patients who previously underwent treatment for chronic TMDs at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Participants either received POOE therapy or a simulated sham therapy. The study does not apply new treatments but assesses participants at a single time point to measure current TMD status. Diagnostic procedures include oral examinations and movement recordings following standardized criteria. Medical records are reviewed with participant consent to assess changes from before treatment to present. Participants will attend one study visit involving a detailed examination for TMD symptoms and jaw function. Researchers will measure pain intensity, maximum mouth opening, psychological distress, and jaw movement angles, comparing these with pretreatment records. The main outcome is the difference in pain levels between groups after about 10 years. Safety and other health factors are monitored through questionnaires. The study's total duration is a single visit with data collected from past treatments and current assessments.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Occlusal Equilibration vs. Sham Therapies for TMDs: Post-Trial Follow-up (OEST)

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 85Years
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Previous occlusal equilibration treatment for TMD pain at the University of Santiago
  • Diagnosed with joint and/or muscle TMD pain according to DC/TMD criteria
  • Aged between 18 and 85 years
  • Completely dentate with normal or adequately restored occlusion (fixed crowns or bridges allowed)
  • Reported significant TMD pain before treatment (VAS/NRS score 4-9 on a 0-10 scale)
  • Have actively sought treatment and been referred to the University or Hospital service
  • Have undergone at least 6 months of prior conservative therapy
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Psychosis, major depression, substance abuse, or cognitive impairment
  • Addiction to opioid (morphine-derivative) medications
  • Ongoing litigation or disability claims related to chronic pain
  • Background as a dental professional
  • Orthodontic treatment within the last 2 years
  • Severe tooth mobility (grade 3)
  • Other pain conditions that are indistinguishable from or more severe than TMD pain
  • Inability to achieve equilibration with minimally invasive occlusal adjustment due to specific dental discrepancies

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Diagnostic Evaluation

Duration - Single time point

Participants undergo diagnostic procedures to assess current temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), including extra- and intraoral examinations, dynamic recording of mandibular and condylar movements, and tests recommended by DC/TMD criteria.

1 visit (in-person)

Long-term Monitoring

Duration - Up to 10 years post-treatment

Participants who previously received occlusal equilibration or sham therapy are observed for long-term effects on pain intensity and jaw function over several years without any new intervention.

1 visit (in-person) at 10 years post-treatment

Trial Site Locations

Total: 2 locations

1

Universidad de Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain, 15782

Actively Recruiting

2

Urbano Santana Penín

Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain, 15782

Enrolling by Invitation

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Research Team

U

URBANO SANTANA PENIN, Prof.

M

Marcos Almeida Cerreda, Officer

How is the study designed?

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Masking

N/A

Allocation

N/A

Model

N/A

Primary Purpose

N/A

Number of Arms

2

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Published Research Related To This Trial

Asymmetry of dental or joint anatomy or impaired chewing function contribute to chronic temporomandibular joint disorders.

Urbano Santana-Mora, José López-Cedrún, Juán Suárez-Quintanilla...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34186201

Remodeling dental anatomy vs sham therapy for chronic temporomandibular disorders. A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

Urbano Santana-Penín, Urbano Santana-Mora, Alicia López-Solache...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37302432