Case developed by Alessio Marrocco -Digital dental technician
It is no longer possible to ignore technological advances and innovations in today’s dental technology.
As the demands for productivity and precision become increasingly crucial in this dynamic market, flexible and efficient system solutions that result in low production costs are increasingly in demand. Subtractive manufacturing processes are the answer to this demand, sparking a new revolution in the industry.
Teeth grinding and clenching are increasingly common issues globally. Many patients are affected by this problem, often caused by rising stress levels, leading to nocturnal and unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth. As a result, these issues are becoming a standard concern not only in the dental industry but also in milling centers, commercial laboratories, and even directly in dental practices. A grinding or bite splint offers relief to those affected.
As a laboratory owner, you can efficiently and reliably produce splints using digital processes. The following text provides a detailed description of the digital production of a splint.
Impression-taking/scanning
The process always starts with digitally acquiring clinical data. Digital impressions of teeth are becoming more important in CAD/CAM technology. With the increasing use of intraoral scanners in dentistry, traditional teeth impressions are being replaced by a digital process known as optical impressions. Alternatively, clinical data can be collected using optical scanners, which work contact-free with sensors. This allows for accurate recording of steep surface shapes and preparation boundaries. After recording the digital data of the teeth, the splint is designed using CAD software.
Designing CAD
The process always starts with digitally acquiring clinical data. Digital impressions of teeth are becoming more important in CAD/CAM technology. With the increasing use of intraoral scanners in dentistry, traditional teeth impressions are being replaced by a digital process known as optical impressions. Alternatively, clinical data can be collected using optical scanners, which work contact-free with sensors. This allows for accurate recording of steep surface shapes and preparation boundaries. After recording the digital data of the teeth, the splint is designed using CAD software.
CAM
Millbox – Software
Once the splint has been exported from the CAD software, the next step is nesting, which involves positioning the splint in the workpiece. Millbox, the CAM software from CIMsystem, is known for its attractive, easy-to-understand, and customized user interface, making it extremely user-friendly. After selecting the correct material (PMMA) and positioning and pinning the splint, the milling data calculation begins, which is then sent to the milling machine.
Milling DWX-52DCi
For our case, we used the DWX-52DCi milling machine from DGSHAPE
The DWX-52DCi features a 6-slot Automatic Disc Changer, a 15-station Automatic Tool Changer, and other automated functions, providing a compelling, efficient, and cost-effective dental restoration solution for users of all skill levels. In developing the DWX-52DCI systems, the focus was on making the milling machine user-friendly and providing easy-to-use software to meet operator requirements. The reduced need for user interaction optimizes the workflow, resulting in precisely milled objects.
Splint made of PMMA: Material
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic glass or Plexiglas, is a popular material for making splints due to its high transparency. In addition to transparent PMMA, there are now many new CAD/CAM-capable materials available, allowing for the production of splints that are custom-made to meet the patient’s specific needs, including aesthetic requirements and exact adaptation to the dental situation.
Digital technology also enables the realization of unique patient requests, such as a wide range of colors, thermoplastic flexibility, thermo-memory effect, and optimal tension-free fit. The industrial polymerization process ensures the highest material homogeneity, guaranteeing excellent long-term stability. CAD/CAM technology also provides a secure method, eliminating mixing errors that can occur with hand mixing.
The unique material properties of PMMA result in an exact adaptation to the tooth situation and exceptional, tension-free comfort for the patient.
For allergy sufferers to PMMA, there are alternative materials available for digital technology, such as polyamide. Polyamide is transparent, highly biocompatible, flexible, and resistant to fractures. PMMA is versatile and suitable for making splints, single crowns, multi-unit bridges, partial crowns, and temporaries for both anterior and posterior regions. It can also be used for various other dental indications due to its wide-ranging applications in digital production.
Final review
In the image, the patient is delighted with the seamless process made possible by digital technology. She has been convinced not only by the high level of comfort but also by the rapid production.
In conclusion, digital dentistry ensures faster treatments, fewer appointments, and reduced manufacturing costs, resulting in superior clinical outcomes.
As it moves towards future business expansion, DGSHAPE is promoting activities to achieve the mid-term objectives of strengthening its ability to support new dental materials, accelerating global expansion, and developing high value-added solutions for the dental industry.
In the dental market, DGSHAPE must support new materials; therefore, we closely monitor material manufacturers’ new product offerings and the needs of patients and dental clinics to provide optimal processing methods as quickly as possible.
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