DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW DESIGN OF REINFORCED OCCLUSAL SPRINT WITH PARAMETRIZED FRAME BASED ON MEDICAL AND ENGINEERING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Subject. Today, the use of splint therapy is an essential part of specialized dental treatment, since in recent years the number of patients with dysfunctional conditions of the dentofacial apparatus, has increased significantly. In addition, according to recent research, the use of occlusal splints as part of complex therapy is effective in the treatment of neurological diseases, such as bruxism, chronic tension-type headache, and neuromuscular syndrome. Traditionally used designs of occlusal splints have some disadvantages, such as fragility of use, insufficient rigidity, and the impossibility of relining if the patient's dental status changes. The article provides a description and clinical and laboratory stages of manufacturing the developed new design of an occlusal splint reinforced with a titanium frame. Objectives. Increasing the effectiveness of treatment of patients with functional disorders of the dentofacial system through the development and implementation of a new prosthetic construction – a combined occlusal splint with a titanium frame, using modern intellectual and medical 3D technologies. Materials and methods. Titanium alloy (Rematitan®) was chosen as the material for the frame of the occlusal splint. Manufacturing method implies the use of additive technologies, in particular, 3D-printing for obtaining a high-precision structure with a minimum cross-sectional thickness. Hot-curing acrylic plastic was used to cover the parameterized frame; it is also possible to use a light-curing composite. Results. During the study, the expediency of introducing a reinforcing component in the form of a metal frame into the construction of the occlusal splint was determined. A new design of a combined occlusal splint and a method for its manufacture were developed. Conclusion. By reinforcing the occlusal splint with a titanium frame, high structural strength, durability of use, maintainability or relocation if necessary are ensured; at the same time, due to 3D-printing, the frame has a minimal cross-sectional thickness, which practically does not affect the thickness of the structure as a whole.