FULLY DIGITAL WORKFLOW FOR THE FABRICATION OF OCCLUSAL STABILIZATION SPLINTS BASED ON A PATIENT'S PERSONALIZED MANDIBULAR MOVEMENT

• Published in: Journal of dentistry 2023-12, p.104826
• Main Authors: Sun, Xinrong, Feng, Yue, Jiao, Yi, Liu, Weicai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1879-176X

This study was conducted to present a completely digital workflow for the fabrication of occlusal stabilization splints using CAD/CAM systems and a digital face bow based on optical sensor technology, which may provide an effective foundation for future clinical application. Digital scans of the maxillary and mandibular arches of 20 volunteers were obtained using a 3D intraoral scanner, which were then utilized to create virtual models of the dental arches. Jaw relation and mandibular movements were recorded with a digital face bow via optical sensors. The virtual increase of the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) was then performed, after which computer-aided design (CAD) of the occlusal stabilization splints was carried out. The corresponding splints were then manufactured using digitally controlled cutting technology. A completely digital workflow for the manufacturing of occlusal stabilization splints was found to be clinically feasible. The corresponding data analysis revealed high congruence between virtual and physical occlusal contacts on the occlusal splint. Moreover, the appropriate guidance of the anterior teeth area was easily obtainable, and the time for adjusting the occlusion was less. This study demonstrated that the fabrication of occlusal stabilization splints using a fully digital workflow is feasible. Compared to traditional impression-based manufacturing, several advantages of digital manufacturing include easy accessibility, time-efficient manufacturing, high-level accuracy in splint quality, and potential to manufacture duplicate splints. The proposed fully digital approach can reduce the difficulty of clinical dentistry, which may help young dentists easily make stable occlusal splints with beneficial curative effects. Meanwhile, it could also improve the production efficiency of stable occlusal splints, saving time for both doctors and patients while reducing labor costs.