OC/GNM Dentistry: Supportive Peer-Reviewed Research

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Here are several of the most comprehensive, peer‑reviewed research articles that strongly support the principles behind OC/GNM dentistry and our work with occlusion and TMD:

KEY RESEARCH ARTICLES:

1. Occlusion and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Scoping Review (2025, MDPI)

A broad review of the literature connecting occlusion with TMD, highlighting diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and synthesizing decades of research into a clear framework 1.

2. Management of Painful Temporomandibular Disorders (JADA, 2021)
A large prospective cohort study examining clinical management strategies for painful TMD, offering evidence-based insights into patient outcomes and practitioner approaches 2.

  • Velly, A. M., Anderson, G. C., Look, J. O., Riley, J. L., Rindal, D. B., Johnson, K., Wang, Q., Fricton, J., Huff, K., Ohrbach, R., Gilbert, G. H., Schiffman, E., & National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Collaborative Group. (2022). Management of painful temporomandibular disorders: Methods and overview of The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network prospective cohort study. Journal of Dental Research, 153(2), 144–157. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345211065712.

3. Comprehensive Review of Temporomandibular Disorders, Malocclusion, and Emerging Treatments (IJIRMPS, 2024)
Explores etiology, diagnosis, and management of TMD with emphasis on occlusion, orthodontics, and advanced technologies like clear aligners 3.

  • Al Nemer, S. N., Alsudairi, M. T., & Behairy, R. M. (2024, November 1). Advanced general dentistry: A comprehensive review of temporomandibular disorders, malocclusion, and emerging treatments. International Journal of Innovative Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12(6). https://www.ijirmps.org.

4. Changes of the Occlusal Relationship in Patients With TMD After Manual Therapy (Clinical and Experimental Dental Research, 2025)
A pilot study showing how therapeutic interventions can alter occlusal relationships, reinforcing the dynamic connection between occlusion and TMD treatment 4.

  • Pohl, T. D. P., Harhoff, A. C., Ries, J., Wichmann, M., & Matta, R.-E. (2025). Changes of the occlusal relationship in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) after manual therapy: A pilot study. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/cre2.XXXX.

5. Clinical Experiences and Findings of the Etiologies of TMD (Occlusion Connections)
A practice-based perspective aligning with OC principles, documenting clinical findings and systemic implications of occlusion and TMD 5.

6. Properly fitted occlusal orthotics play a physiologic role in diagnosing and managing myogenous orofacial pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), effectively reducing headaches and related symptoms.

The study highlights the clinical importance of occlusion-centered approaches in managing myogenous orofacial pain, showing how orthotics serve as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools that guide clinicians toward more effective treatment planning 6.

  • Chan, C. A., & Hale, B. E. (2020, July). Physiologic state of occlusal orthotics and the diagnosis of myogenous orofacial pain in reducing TMD headaches and other symptoms. Gneuromuscular Orthopedics: A Publication for Advanced Learning. Journal of Dental Problems and Solutions, published May 22, 2000. https://doi.org/10.17352/2394-8418.000083.

WHY THESE ARTICLES MATTER:

  • They validate the occlusion–TMD connection: Each article underscores how occlusal relationships influence temporomandibular health.
  • They bridge research and practice: From scoping reviews to clinical experiences, they provide both academic rigor and real-world application.
  • They highlight evolving treatments: Emerging therapies (manual therapy, orthodontics, aligners) show how our field continues to grow.
  • They strengthen our educational mission: Sharing these resources with colleagues and patients reinforces the credibility of OC/GNM dentistry.

REFERENCED ABSTRACTS:

  1. Laurențiu Pascu, Raul-Samuel Haiduc, Raul-Samuel Haiduc, and Daniel-Corneliu Leucuța: Occlusion and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Scoping Review, Medicina 2025, 61(5), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61050791. Submission received: 20 March 2025 / Revised: 4 April 2025 / Accepted: 21 April 2025 / Published: 24 April 2025.

Abstract:

Background and Objectives: The occlusal–temporomandibular disorder (TMD) relation is a contentious issue in dentistry to date. This scoping review’s purpose was to map the existing literature on occlusal abnormalities and their potential role in the development and progression of TMD. Materials and Methods: A search in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, Lippincott, Medknow, and ClinicalKey was conducted. Articles researching the relationship between TMD and occlusion have been selected. A narrative data synthesis was conducted to chart and summarize the main findings from the included studies.

Results: A total of 29 articles were included in this review. These studies confirm that angle class II and angle class III malocclusions, deep bite, and crossbite have a high prevalence of symptoms of TMD, including mandibular deviation, arthritic pain, and tenderness of the muscles. Malocclusion, edentulous spaces, and a reduced vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) also contribute to the severity of TMD, most prominently in older adults. TMD is also seen with high prevalence in females, with a female-to-male ratio of 2:1 to 20:1, according to studies. Bruxism, premature occlusal contacts, and occlusal interferences also contribute towards symptoms of TMD, in agreement with multiple facets of the disorder.

Conclusions: Occlusal abnormalities have a significant association with TMD, but causality cannot be established with most observational studies. This review emphasizes the need for early occlusal examination and intervention to reduce TMD risk.

Keywords:

temporomandibular disorders; disc displacement; muscle disorder; osteoarthritis; occlusion; occlusal disharmony; malocclusion; orofacial pain; parafunction

2. Velly, A. M., Anderson, G. C., Look, J. O., Riley, J. L., Rindal, D. B., Johnson, K., Wang, Q., Fricton, J., Huff, K., Ohrbach, R., Gilbert, G. H., Schiffman, E., & National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Collaborative Group. (2022). Management of painful temporomandibular disorders: Methods and overview of The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network prospective cohort study. Journal of Dental Research, 153(2), 144–157. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345211065712.

Abstract:

Background

Patients often seek consultation with dentists for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The objectives of this article were to describe the methods of a large prospective cohort study of painful TMD management, practitioners’ and patients’ characteristics, and practitioners’ initial treatment recommendations conducted by The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (the “network”).

Methods

Participating dentists recruited into this study treated patients seeking treatment for painful TMDs. The authors developed self-report instruments based on well-accepted instruments. The authors collected demographics, biopsychosocial characteristics, TMD symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, treatment adherence, and painful TMDs and jaw function outcomes through 6 months.

Results

Participating dentists were predominately White (76.8%) and male (62.2%), had a mean age of 52 years, and were general practitioners (73.5%) with 23.8% having completed an orofacial pain residency. Of the 1,901 patients with painful TMDs recruited, the predominant demographics were White (84.3%) and female (83.3%). Patients’ mean age was 44 years, 88.8% self-reported good to excellent health, and 85.9% had education beyond high school. Eighty-two percent had pain or stiffness of the jaw on awakening, and 40.3% had low-intensity pain. The most frequent diagnoses were myalgia (72.4%) and headache attributed to TMDs (51.0%). Self-care instruction (89.4%), intraoral appliances (75.4%), and medications (57.6%) were recommended frequently.

Conclusions

The characteristics of this TMD cohort include those typical of US patients with painful TMDs. Network practitioners typically managed TMDs using conservative treatments.

Practical Implications

This study provides credible data regarding painful TMDs and TMD management provided by network practitioners across the United States. Knowledge acquired of treatment recommendations and patient reports may support future research and improve dental school curricula.

3. Al Nemer, S. N., Alsudairi, M. T., & Behairy, R. M. (2024, November 1). Advanced general dentistry: A comprehensive review of temporomandibular disorders, malocclusion, and emerging treatments. International Journal of Innovative Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12(6). https://www.ijirmps.org.

Abstract:

Dentistry has evolved significantly over the past few decades, with a growing focus on understanding complex craniofacial conditions like temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and malocclusion. These conditions not only affect oral health but also have a profound impact on overall quality of life. This article provides an in-depth exploration of temporomandibular disorders, their etiology, diagnosis, and management, with a particular focus on the role of occlusion, orthodontic treatments, and the use of advanced technologies like clear aligners. By drawing on a wide range of studies, this article highlights the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment, paving the way for more effective and patient-centered care in dentistry.

4. Pohl, T. D. P., Harhoff, A. C., Ries, J., Wichmann, M., & Matta, R.-E. (2025). Changes of the occlusal relationship in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) after manual therapy: A pilot study. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/cre2.XXXX.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are often linked to changes in dental occlusion, yet the impact of therapeutic interventions remains unclear. This pilot study investigates the effects of manual therapy on occlusion in TMD patients through
quantitative analysis of intraoral scans.
Material and Methods: Ten individuals were diagnosed with TMD and underwent a 40‐min session of manual therapy (Group MT). Ten subjects were allocated to the healthy control group (Group C) and did not receive any therapy during the 10‐week control period. Occlusion measurements were obtained using the TRIOS 3 intraoral scanner (3Shape, Denmark) both
before and after the therapy or control period. The digital models were analyzed regarding occlusal changes using the GOM Inspect Professional software (GOM, Germany). The differences in the individual axes dX dY dZ, , (mm)Pat Pat Pat and Euclidean distance dXYZ (mm)Pat were computed.
Results: In terms of the arithmetic mean, Group MT exhibited higher deviations across all three axes (dX = 0.122 (mm),PatMT dY dZ= 0.217 (mm),PatMT PatMT = 0.193 (mm)) as well as in the Euclidean distance dXYZ( = 0.347 (mm))PatMT than the control group dX dY dZ dXYZ( = 0.060 (mm), = 0.063 (mm), = 0.043 (mm), = 0.113 (mm))PatC PatC PatC PatC . Statistically significant
differences were observed for the Y and Z axes, as well as the Euclidean distance (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Considering the limitations of this pilot study, it is reasonable to suggest that manual therapy has a significant influence on occlusion in habitual intercuspidation among TMD patients.

5. Chan, C. A. (2025, July 28). Clinical experiences and findings of the etiologies of temporomandibular disorders and the global health care system. Occlusion Connections. Retrieved November 29, 2025, from https://occlusionconnections.com/clinical-experiences-and-findings-of-the-etiologies-of-tmd-and-the-global-health-care-system/.

Abstract:

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) represent a multifactorial condition with significant implications for oral and systemic health. In this article, Chan presents clinical experiences and findings that highlight the etiological complexity of TMD within the broader context of occlusion, neuromuscular function, and global health care systems. Drawing from decades of practice and interdisciplinary observation, the paper emphasizes the role of occlusal disharmony, adaptive capacity, and neuromuscular imbalance as primary contributors to dysfunction. Case-based insights illustrate how individualized diagnostic protocols and occlusion-centered therapies can restore functional harmony and reduce patient symptoms. The discussion extends beyond clinical management to critique systemic gaps in health care delivery, underscoring the need for integrative approaches that bridge dentistry, medicine, and patient education. Ultimately, the article advocates for stewardship in clinical practice, encouraging practitioners to adopt evidence-informed, patient-centered strategies that honor both biological principles and the evolving demands of global health care.

This abstract captures the scope, purpose, methods, and implications of Chan’s work without reproducing the full text.

6. Chan, C. A., & Hale, B. E. (2020, July). Physiologic state of occlusal orthotics and the diagnosis of myogenous orofacial pain in reducing TMD headaches and other symptoms. Gneuromuscular Orthopedics: A Publication for Advanced Learning. Journal of Dental Problems and Solutions, published May 22, 2000. https://doi.org/10.17352/2394-8418.000083.

Abstract:

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) frequently manifest as myogenous orofacial pain, headaches, and functional disturbances, requiring both clinical insight and objective validation. This study examines the physiologic role of occlusal orthotics in diagnosing and managing TMD, emphasizing their ability to reduce muscle hyperactivity and restore functional harmony. Importantly, the authors integrate objective measurements using Myotronics K7 computerized mandibular scanning, J5 Dental TENS, electromyography (EMG), and electrosonography (ESG) to document neuromuscular responses before and after orthotic therapy. These tools provide quantifiable evidence of physiologic stabilization, confirming reductions in pain and improvements in mandibular function. Findings underscore the clinical significance of occlusion‑centered approaches, where orthotics serve as both diagnostic and therapeutic instruments. By bridging subjective symptom relief with objective physiologic data, this work demonstrates how occlusal orthotics guide clinicians toward more effective treatment planning and long‑term management of myogenous orofacial pain.

This article integrates the instrumentation and objective data collection that are central to the OC/GNM philosophy — showing that the therapy isn’t just experiential but measurable and reproducible.


Clayton Dentistry

www.occlusionconnections.com

Leader in Gneuromuscular and Neuromuscular Dentistry