Experience the future of prosthetics with our streamlined digital splint workflow using the Medit Splints app. This blog post will walk you through the entire process, from initial scans to the final product, highlighting the key steps and technologies involved.
1. Intraoral Scan
The journey begins with intraoral scanning, a crucial step in capturing the precise details of the patient’s oral anatomy.
- Scanning Both Arches: Start by scanning both the upper and lower arches. This initial step sets the foundation for an accurate splint design.
- Recording the Patient’s Bite: To capture the patient’s natural closure, ask them to bite down in centric occlusion. This scan is essential for aligning the maxillary and mandibular scans accurately.
- Mandibular Movement Recording: This technique is vital for reducing occlusal adjustments in splint design. By documenting how the jaw moves in all directions without opening the mouth, you can achieve a more accurate assessment of the patient’s occlusion. The process involves the patient keeping their mouth closed and moving their jaw forward, backward, left, and right while the scanner documents these movements.
This advanced scanning technology allows dental professionals to provide highly customized treatments, enhancing the overall patient experience.
2. Digital Splint Design – Medit Splints App
The Medit Splints app offers two main workflows for designing an occlusal splint: Auto Creation and Manual Creation. While Auto Creation utilizes AI for efficiency, Manual Creation allows for detailed customization. Here’s a detailed look at the Manual Creation workflow:
Alignment Mode
In the Alignment mode, align the scan data to the virtual occlusal plane. This step is crucial for ensuring that the splint fits perfectly with the patient’s bite.
Occlusal Adjustment Mode
This mode focuses on modifying the occlusal relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Accurate occlusal adjustment is key to creating a comfortable and effective splint.
Outline Designation Mode: Margin Line
Here, delineate the perimeter of the splint along the buccal and lingual aspects of the teeth. This step ensures that the splint covers the necessary areas for optimal functionality.
Outer Surface Creation Mode
Adjust the thickness of the lingual and buccal surfaces in this mode. For printers with MultiJet technology, you can create a dual-layer splint, separating the design into inner and outer layers to use different material properties for each.
Design Mode
In Design Mode, finalize your splint design. This includes analyzing occlusal contact points and adjusting the splint to eliminate any intersections with opposing teeth. The tools available allow for precise sculpting of the splint’s surface and measurement of its thickness, ensuring both accuracy and comfort.
Labeling Mode
Finally, in the Labeling Mode, you can add, edit, or delete labels on the splint. This feature is useful for customization and identification purposes.
The Medit Splints app is designed to provide a comprehensive set of tools for creating high-quality splints tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
3. Digital Splint 3D Printing
With the design complete, the next phase involves bringing your digital model to life through 3D printing.
Export Phase
Begin by exporting your design. Prepare the digital model in a 3D modeling software and export it in a format compatible with your 3D printer, typically STL or OBJ.
Slicing Phase
Import the file into slicing software, which converts your 3D model into instructions that the printer can understand. Adjust the angle of your model to ensure optimal print quality and strength.
Support Addition
For models with overhangs or complex geometries, adding supports is essential. These supports ensure that your model prints correctly without any structural issues.
Printing Phase
Load the slicing file into your printer and start the printing process. Monitor the print to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Post-Process Phase
After printing, carefully remove your model from the build plate. Clean the model to remove any residual material, which might involve washing with solvents or water, depending on the type of printer used. Remove the support structures without leaving marks or damaging the model.
Post Curing
For some materials, post curing under UV light or heat is necessary to achieve the final strength and surface finish. This final step ensures that the splint is ready for use and meets all required standards.
The digital splint workflow, facilitated by the Medit Splints app and advanced 3D printing technology, represents a significant leap forward in prosthetic dentistry. Embrace the future of prosthetics with this innovative approach and provide your patients with the best possible care.
For a more detailed workflow description and demonstration, check out the full webinar here.
