Bruxism and Temporomandibular Joint Vibrational Analysis Study

Bruxism involves repetitive jaw-muscle activity, including clenching and grinding, which may generate excessive and chronic mechanical loading on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Although its causal link to TMJ disorders is still debated, it is hypothesized that bruxism-induced stress may lead to internal joint changes, detectable as vibrational anomalies.

Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) is a non-invasive, real-time diagnostic modality that records vibrational events within the TMJ during mandibular movements. By analyzing parameters such as peak frequency (Hz), median frequency (Hz), amplitude (µV), and total energy (Pa·s), JVA enables objective assessment of intra-articular mechanical behavior. These metrics help differentiate between normal joint function and pathological conditions such as disc displacement or degenerative changes.

This retrospective observational study will assess whether individuals with clinically identified bruxism exhibit distinct vibrational profiles compared to asymptomatic controls. Patient records collected at the Istanbul Atlas University TMD Clinic between January 2020 and May 2025 will be included. Bruxism classification will be based on a standardized clinical scale, incorporating both self-reported symptoms (e.g., morning jaw fatigue, tooth wear, headache) and clinical signs (e.g., hypertrophic masseter muscles, linea alba, occlusal facets).

JVA recordings will be obtained using the BioJVA™ system (BioResearch Associates, Inc.), following a uniform protocol: bilateral sensor placement over the TMJs, seated posture with back support, and execution of five maximal open-close mandibular cycles. Calibration procedures will ensure data consistency across sessions. Demographic data (age, gender), maximum mouth opening (MMO), presence of joint sounds (clicks, crepitus), and JVA output parameters will be recorded.

Statistical analysis will include comparative tests (e.g., t-test, Mann-Whitney U) between bruxism and control groups, and correlation analyses (e.g., Pearson or Spearman coefficients) between vibrational variables and bruxism severity scores. Multivariate models may be used to control for age and gender effects.

This study protocol is ethically approved by the Istanbul Atlas University Clinical Research Ethics Committee. Anonymized data from consenting patients will be used in compliance with institutional and international research standards.

Findings from this research are expected to clarify the biomechanical effects of bruxism on TMJ structures and support the utility of JVA as an objective adjunct tool in the functional evaluation of temporomandibular disorders.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 to 45 years
• Patients treated at the specialized TMD Clinic of Istanbul Atlas University
• Presence of at least one diagnostic criterion (e.g., orofacial pain, joint clicking, limited mandibular movement)

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with incomplete clinical documentation
• Individuals with systemic diseases affecting joint or muscle function
• Patients with a history of maxillofacial trauma or surgery
• Patients outside the specified age range