Use of light-cured resin to manufacture occlusal splints: report of two cases

Abstract

This article presents selected cases of patients with functional disorders of the stomatognathic system. This group of patients had a need to made different types of removable occlusal splints. In the past, occlusal appliances were made mostly using self-cured acrylate materials, which for many years had no replacements. The rapid development of dental materials technology led to creation of thermo-formable materials and resins, which can successfully replace traditional acrylic materials in daily clinical practice. A practical application of light-cured resin in the fabrication of the occlusal splints in two clinical cases is reported and discussed herein.

Effect of Thermocycling on the Shear Bond Strength of Different Resins Bonded to Thermoplastic Foil Applied in Occlusal Splint Therapy

“…Materials have new opportunities in the manufacturing of occlusal devices. Light‐cured polymers enable the dentist or dental technician to precisely shape the splint without the time limits characteristic of self‐cured resins . There is also no unpleasant taste or the possibility of thermal irritation while forming the splint in the patient's mouth .…”

“…The content of residual monomer in light‐cured resins is less than in traditional polymers . The procedure used to manufacture an occlusal device made of light‐cured resin is shorter than that of a heat‐cured resin due to the lack of necessity of checking the try‐in wax splint …”