Influence of material type and manufacturing methods on the quality of occlusal splints: a literature review

Resumo

This review aims to assess whether the type of material and method of manufacturing occlusal splints can influence their quality. Material and methods: The present review identify and select studies related to the methods of occlusal splint fabrication. The searches were conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus databases. Results: Traditionally, occlusal splints have been fabricated with acrylic resin through techniques like muffle pressing, carving, or vacuum thermoforming. With the rise of digital dentistry, CAD/CAM technology has enabled the production of these devices using both additive and subtractive techniques. Besides acrylic resin, materials such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and polycarbonate (PC) are also utilized. Recently, a high-performance polymer called PEEK has been introduced in dentistry for fixed and removable prostheses and is considered a promising material for interocclusal devices. Conclusion: The quality of occlusal splints can be influenced by post-polymerization processes, particularly in 3D printing, as incomplete polymerization may occur. Additionally, the polishing of these devices after manufacturing is crucial, as insufficient polishing can lead to cytotoxic effects, a concern also noted with 3D printing techniques. Current literature continues to evaluate the quality of occlusal splints in terms of hardness and durability.