The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a digital process for manufacturing of
occlusal splints. An
alginate impression was taken from the upper and lower jaws of a patient with
temporomandibular disorder owing to
cross bite and wear of the teeth, and then digitized using a table
laser scanner. The scanned model was repaired using the 3Data Expert software, and a
splint was designed with the Viscam RP software. A
splint was manufactured from a biocompatible liquid photopolymer by stereolithography. The system employed in the process was SLA 350. The
splint was worn nightly for six months. The patient adapted to the
splint well and found it comfortable to use. The
splint relieved tension in the patient's
bite muscles. No sign of
tooth wear or significant
splint wear was detected after six months of testing. Modern digital technology enables us to manufacture clinically functional
occlusal splints, which might reduce costs, dental technician working time and chair-side time. Maximum-dimensional errors of approximately 1 mm were found at thin walls and sharp corners of the
splint when compared with the digital model.