Deflection of occlusal splints under bruxism-like conditions: An exploratory in vitro investigation.

OBJECTIVE

Occlusal splints are common part of bruxism management to reduce occlusal forces. This preliminary study investigates in vitro the deflection of occlusal splint materials.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Two occlusal splints per material were fabricated by casting (Palapress vario), thermoforming (Erkodur 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm), milling (Bio Splint P HI, Bio Splint C, ClearSplint), and 3D printing (LuxaPrint Ortho Plus, 0° and 45° orientation). Each splint was applied to a functional dental model featuring movable plastic teeth. The right upper incisor, canine, and second premolar were loaded up to 50 N on occlusal and buccal sides using a universal testing machine (Z010, Zwick; four measurements). Statistical analysis used Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test with Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Mean deflection of the tooth-splint-system ranged from 0.8 mm to 2.7 mm. Significant differences between the materials were detected (p < 0.001), with the highest values for Erkodur 1.0 mm and ClearSplint and the lowest for Bio Splint P HI and Erkodur 1.5 mm. No significant differences were observed between the two print orientations of LuxaPrint Ortho Plus.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study demonstrates material-dependent differences in the deflection of occlusal splints under load. Clinically oriented test setups may provide valuable insight for evidence-based material selection in bruxism management.