BACKGROUND: With advancements in computer technology, digital mandibular repositioning techniques are increasingly utilised in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study aimed to compare the differences in joint structure restoration between traditional and digital articulation techniques. METHODS: Two groups of patients with TMD (40 in each group) received traditional or digital articulation. An occlusal splint was fabricated and administered to each patient. Imaging data were collected prior to the articulation process and after the patients wore the splint for six months. Morphological and positional changes in the articular disc were analysed; condylar displacement and mandibular asymmetry were measured, and the osseous condition of the condyle was compared using three-dimensional reconstructed models. RESULTS: The digital articulation technique performed better than the traditional approach in improving articular disc morphology (p = 0.036) and recapturing displaced discs (p = 0.032). In contrast to the traditional method [-0.1138 mm (95% CI: -0.2338, 0.0062)], digital technology notably facilitated condylar bone regeneration [0.0552 mm (95% CI: -0.0540, 0.1644)] (p = 0.040). Although no differences were observed in condylar displacement, an improvement in mandibular asymmetry was noted. A significant association was identified between articular disc repositioning and condylar bone alterations, with considerably greater bone growth noted in cases where successful articular disc repositioning was achieved [0.1072 mm (95% CI: 0.0286, 0.1858)] than in those where it was not [-0.2332 mm (95% CI: -0.4193, -0.0471)]. CONCLUSIONS: Restoring the optimal disc-condyle relationship is associated with condylar bone regeneration. The digital articulating technique offers precise control over the mandibular position and joint configuration, demonstrating satisfactory performance in improving the articular disc condition and reversing condylar bone destruction. Furthermore, it is user-friendly and highly efficient. The results suggest that the digital articulation technique may be a promising method for repositioning the articular disc and restoring condylar bone integrity.