In today’s dental technology, technical advances and innovations can no longer be dispensed with. As the demands for productivity and precision become more and more important in this dynamic market, flexible and efficient system solutions that nevertheless result in low production costs are increasingly in demand. Subtractive manufacturing processes are the solution to this tension and have thus set a new revolution in motion.
Not only in the dental industry but also in milling centers, commercial laboratories, and even directly in the dental practice, these are now increasingly part of the standard range. Teeth grinding and clenching is a widespread global problem. More and more patients suffer from it. Increasing stress is considered to be a major cause of the mostly nocturnal and unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth. A grinding or bite splint can help those affected.
As a laboratory owner, you can produce splints profitably and reliably. Use digital processes for this. In the following text, the digital production of a splint is described in detail. The variety of materials for this indication and the resulting advantages are also discussed in more detail in the following text.
Impression-taking/scanning
The process chain always starts with the digital data acquisition of the clinical situation. Digital impressions of human dentition are also becoming increasingly
relevant in CAD/CAM technology. Due to the steadily growing use of intraoral scanners in dentistry, conventional impressions of the teeth are being pushed into
the background and replaced by a digitalized process, a so-called optical impression. Alternatively, the data acquisition of the clinical situation can also be carried out by optical measuring methods (scanners). Optical scanners work completely contact-free with the help of sensors. Therefore, steep surface shapes or preparation boundaries can be recorded without restrictions. After the human dentition has been digitally recorded, the splint is designed using
CAD software.
Designing CAD
After scanning, the three-dimensional data of the patient are imported into the CAD dental software to design a splint, as in this case. The CAD software used here was exocad. Even the standard version of the software covers many possible indications. The strength of exocad DentalCAD lies in its simple and intuitive handling. The software reflects the analog work processes of a dental technician, which is why even newcomers who are using the software for the first time can easily find their way around. The splint thickness can be determined digitally and has a uniform thickness after milling. This is not possible in the traditional manufacturing process.
CAM
After the splint has been exported from the CAD software, the next step is nesting, i.e. positioning the splint in the workpiece. Millbox – the CAM software from the company CIMsystem which can be recognized by its attractive, easy-to-understand, and customized user interface, realizes extremely user-friendly handling. After the correct material has been selected (PMMA blank) and the splint has then been positioned and pinned, the calculation of the milling data starts. These are then sent to the milling machine.
Milling DWX-52DCi
For our case, we used the DWX-52DCi milling machine from DGSHAPE The ultimate in ease, material flexibility, and unattended production.
DWX-52DCi: with a 6-slot Automatic Disc Changer, 15-station Automatic Tool Changer, and other automated features, it gives users of all skill levels an exceptionally powerful, efficient, affordable dental restoration solution. In order to meet operator requirements, the development process of the DWX-52DCI systems focused on the user-friendly applicability of the milling machine as well as comprehensible and easy-to-use software. The reduced need for user interaction optimizes the workflow for the result of precisely milled objects.
Splint made of PMMA: Material
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA for short) is also called acrylic glass or more often colloquially Plexiglas. Due to its high transparency, this material is very popular for splint fabrication.
Apart from transparent PMMA, the flood of new CAD/CAM-capable materials makes it possible to manufacture splints optimally adapted to the individual needs of the patient, not only with regard to the aesthetic demands but also with a highly precise adaptation to the dental situation.
Digital technology also makes it possible to realize extravagant patient wishes regarding color variety. For optimal tension-free wearing comfort that is characterized by thermoplastic flexibility with a thermomemory effect.
The industrial polymerization process achieves the highest material homogeneity and thus guarantees excellent long-term stability. The use of CAD/CAM technology also ensures a safe process, as mixing errors (e.g. due to hand mixing) are eliminated. The special material properties result in a highly precise adaptation to the tooth situation and exceptional, tension-free wearing comfort for the patient.
Allergy sufferers who cannot tolerate PMMA are also in good hands with digital technology and can be provided with alternative materials such as polyamide. Polyamide is also transparent, has very high biocompatibility, is flexible, and is very fracture-resistant. PMMA is versatile and is not only suitable for splint fabrication but also, for example, for the fabrication of single crowns and multi-unit bridges up to partial crowns and temporaries in the anterior and posterior regions. But PMMA can also be used for many other dental indications. The field of application is wide-ranging in digital production.
Final review
As can be seen in the picture above, the patient is pleased with the smooth process that digital technology has made possible for her. Not only the high wearing comfort has convinced her, but also the fast production.
So, in conclusion, digital dentistry ensures faster treatments, fewer appointments, and reduced manufacturing costs for better clinical results.
As it works toward future business expansion, DGSHAPE is promoting activities to reach the mid-term objectives of “strengthening the ability to support new dental materials,” “acceleration of global expansion” and “developing high value-added solutions for the dental industry” In the dental market, an important requirement for DGSHAPE is to support new materials. We, therefore, pay close attention to the new product offerings of material manufacturers and the needs of patients and dental clinics in order to offer optimal processing methods as quickly as possible.
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