A method for assessing changes in mandibular biomechanics using a software-hardware system

INTRODUCTION. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in mastication, speech, and maintaining overall postural balance. Dysfunction in TMJ biomechanics can lead to local pain, functional limitations, and postural disturbances. Despite advances in digital technologies and the integration of osteopathy into dental practice, there remains a lack of accessible and validated tools for dynamic TMJ monitoring.

AIM. To develop and validate a method for quantitative assessment of mandibular biomechanics using craniometric measurements and digital technologies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ninety patients aged 19 to 61 years with TMJ dysfunction and extra-occlusal disorders were enrolled. Participants were divided into a main group, which received both dental and osteopathic treatment, and a control group, which received dental treatment only. Standardized digital imaging was performed pre- and post-treatment. Mandibular deviation was assessed by measuring the angle and perpendicular distance from the sagittal plane using a mobile application. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS. A statistically significant reduction in mandibular deviation was observed in both groups (p < 0.05), with the main group showing greater improvements. The findings support the effectiveness of combining osteopathic correction with dental therapy in restoring mandibular biomechanics.

CONCLUSIONS. The proposed method provides an objective and efficient tool for assessing the outcomes of dental and osteopathic interventions in patients with TMJ dysfunction and offers potential for early detection of biomechanical impairments.

1. Ilyin A.A., Fazylova T.A., Dergilev A.P., Sudarkina A.V., Olesov E.E., Olesova V.N. Radiation diagnostics in treatment of displacement of a joint disk of a tempjaw joint and myofascial disorders. Medical Radiology and Radiation Safety. 2021;66(3):29–34. https://doi.org/10.12737/1024-6177-2021-66-3-29-34 (In Russ.)

2. On June 8–10, 2024 the Congress “Osteopathy Open 2024. Osteopathy in Russia and in the World: History and Modernity” was held. Russian Osteopathic Journal. 2024;(3):133–136. (In Russ.)

3. Minervini G., Franco R., Marrapodi M.M., Crimi S., Badnjević A., Cervino G. et al. Correlation between Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and posture evaluated trough the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD): A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2023;12(7):2652. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072652

4. Arushanyan A.R., Popko E.S., Konnov S.V. Assessment of the prevalence of symptoms of musculoskeletal dysfunction in persons visiting a dental clinic. Bulletin of Medical Internet Conferences. 2015;5(12):1755–1756. (In Russ.)

5. Solleveld H., Slaets B., Goedhart A., VandenBossche L. Associations of masticatory muscles asymmetry and oral health with postural control and leg injuries of elite junior soccer players. J Hum Kinet. 2022;84:21–31. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2022-0086

6. Iarygina E.N., Makedonova Yu.A., Shkarin V.V., Pavlova-Adamovich A.G., Devyatchenko L.A., Dyachenko S.V. Ultrasound assessment of the structure of the masticatory muscles against the background of relief of myofascial pain syndrome. Endodontics Today. 2024;22(3):288–294. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0033

7. Babkin O. Temporomandibular joint: posture with its dysfunction. August 31, 2015. Accessed May 24, 2025. Available at: https://osteopatbabkin.blogspot.com/2015/08/TMJ-postura.html (accessed: 24.05.2025).