New Digital Splint Technology

New Digital Splint Technology Offers the Smoothest, Flattest Splints Possible
Posted: May 9, 2007
Digital Splint (WinCE).jpgGreat Lakes Orthodontics, Ltd. (Tonawanda, NY) is launching an innovative fabrication process to digitally design and fabricate occlusal splint appliances.
 
Great Lakes is using 3D laser scanning, along with custom-designed software and state-of-the-art machining to digitally fabricate splints - used to treat patients who suffer from conditions such as bruxing (clenching or grinding) and TMD.
 
The models are laser scanned into a computer, creating three-dimensional images. For unmounted cases, models are scanned and a separate scan using the centric relation bite record orients the models.  Cases mounted on an articulator are scanned and geometrically reproduced precisely in software.  
 
In the software, contact points are identified and disclusion ramps are defined. The software then creates a 3-D splint with even centric contacts and an anterior ramp with canine guidance.  The software allows for exceptionally smooth transitions between contact points that cannot be reproduced manually.
 
The 3-D splint is then sent electronically to the CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software which runs the milling machine. The models are covered with an acrylic material, and the milling machine cuts the excess acrylic down to the final splint shape.  The milling machine is able to trim to a tolerance of less than .001 inch.
 
An important advantage of the digital process is that it can take subtle variations in anatomy into account and produce splints that are designed closer to an individual’s arc of closure.  The patient receives a better fitting appliance with more predictable results.
 
Another advantage of the process is that there is no cusp indexing on the splint.  It’s virtually impossible to eliminate that indexing using traditional methods.  Digital splints are perfectly smooth to allow the teeth to move freely and not lock in any particular position.
For more information, contact Great Lakes Orthodontics Products customer service at 800-828-7626 or visit our web site at www.greatlakesortho.com.
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