Fabrication of an Occlusal Appliance Using a Fully Digital Protocol: A Technical Report

A good outcome of an occlusal appliance requires a well-adapted device, both in terms of occlusal relations and internal fit, which helps achieve patient comfort and compliance. Digital technology had led to the manufacturing of night guards that display a better accuracy and properties of the resin, ease of fabrication in terms of time and materials and the possibility of duplication. This technical report describes the clinical and laboratory steps that need to be followed to produce an occlusal appliance in a fully digital protocol. Intraoral scans were acquired, as well as digital occlusal records. A virtual 3D dental device was designed using a CAD software, which was later manufactured via 3D printing technology. The occlusal appliance displayed a good internal fit and enhanced properties of the resin. Minimal occlusal adjustments were required to secure functional guidance during protrusive and lateral movements of the mandible.