Occlusal Splints and Manufacturing Techniques from Traditional to Digital

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 13 - 33, 30.06.2025

Nilgün Alper Kaygusuz , Elham Mazlouminia , Gülay Dumanli Gök

Abstract

Occlusal splints are commonly used dental appliances for the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular joint disorders, bruxism, and occlusal trauma. While traditional fabrication techniques have long relied on manual processes such as plaster models, wax-ups, and acrylic manipulation, the integration of digital technologies into dental practice has brought forth innovative methods including CAD/CAM systems, 3D printers, and intraoral scanners. This study explores the fundamental functions and indications of occlusal splints and provides a comparative analysis of traditional and digital fabrication techniques. Additionally, the effects of digital workflows on time efficiency, cost, and patient comfort are discussed. The findings suggest that digital techniques offer significant advantages over conventional methods, particularly in terms of precision and overall efficiency.

Keywords

occlusal splint , temporomandibular joint , stabilization splint

Oklüzal Splintler ve Gelenekselden Dijitale Üretim Teknikleri

Abstract

Oklüzal splintler, temporomandibular eklem bozuklukları, bruksizm ve oklüzal travmaların yönetiminde sıklıkla kullanılan, hem tanı hem de tedavi amacı taşıyan dental apareylerdir. Geleneksel üretim teknikleri uzun yıllar boyunca alçı modeller, mum modelaj ve akrilik işlemleri gibi manuel yöntemlere dayanmakta iken; dijital teknolojilerin diş hekimliği pratiğine entegrasyonu ile birlikte CAD/CAM sistemleri, 3D yazıcılar ve dijital tarayıcılar gibi yenilikçi üretim teknikleri ön plana çıkmıştır. Bu çalışmada oklüzal splintlerin temel işlevleri, kullanım endikasyonları ve üretim sürecine dair detaylar ele alınarak, geleneksel ve dijital üretim teknikleri karşılaştırmalı olarak incelenmiştir. Ayrıca dijital üretim süreçlerinin zaman, maliyet ve hasta konforu üzerindeki etkileri de değerlendirilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler, dijital tekniklerin özellikle hassasiyet ve verimlilik açısından geleneksel yöntemlere kıyasla önemli avantajlar sunduğunu ortaya koymaktadır.

Keywords

oklüzal splint , temporomandibular eklem , stabilizasyon splinti

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