Crafting Precision: How Dental Splints Are Made at Precision Smiles Dental Lab
In the world of restorative dentistry, dental splints play a crucial role in protecting teeth, alleviating jaw pain, and restoring balance to a patient's bite. Whether it's combating the wear from nighttime grinding (bruxism) or supporting orthodontic treatments, these custom appliances are more than just mouthguards—they're precision-engineered solutions tailored to individual needs. At Precision Smiles Dental Lab, Australia's leading full-service dental laboratory, we pride ourselves on blending cutting-edge technology with expert craftsmanship to produce splints that not only fit perfectly but also enhance long-term oral health.
As a lab dedicated to elevating dental care, we serve practices nationwide with free Australia-wide delivery and a commitment to quality that dentists rave about. In this blog, we'll take you behind the scenes to explore the step-by-step process of how we create our renowned hard occlusal splints. From initial impressions to final polish, every stage is designed for accuracy, comfort, and durability. Let's dive in!
What Are Dental Splints and Why Do They Matter?
Before we get into the making, a quick primer: Dental splints, also known as night guards or occlusal appliances, are custom-fitted devices that cover the upper or lower teeth. They're typically prescribed for issues like teeth clenching, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, or post-orthodontic stabilization. Made from high-quality materials, they cushion the bite, prevent enamel erosion, and promote healthier jaw alignment.
At Precision Smiles, our splints stand out because they're fabricated from durable, clear acrylic—a material that's tough enough to withstand daily grinding yet comfortable for all-night wear. Unlike off-the-shelf options, our custom designs ensure a precise fit, reducing slippage and maximizing effectiveness. Dentists love them because they lead to fewer adjustments and happier patients.
The Art and Science Behind Our Process
Creating a dental splint isn't a one-size-fits-all assembly line—it's a meticulous collaboration between your dental practice and our skilled technicians. We combine traditional techniques with digital innovation to deliver results in record time, often with turnaround times that keep treatments on track. Here's how it all comes together:
Step 1: Receiving and Verifying Impressions
It starts with you, the dentist. We receive detailed impressions or digital scans of the patient's teeth, bite, and jaw alignment. Whether it's a traditional alginate mold or a high-res intraoral scan, our team immediately verifies the details to catch any potential issues early. This proactive step—something our partners frequently highlight in reviews—saves time and ensures we're working from the most accurate data.
Pro tip: For best results, we recommend including photos of the patient's shade and occlusion, plus any specific instructions like "hard acrylic for bruxism protection."
Step 2: Digital Design with CAD/CAM Precision
Once verified, the magic of technology kicks in. Using advanced CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software, our technicians create a 3D model of the splint. This digital workflow allows us to:
- Simulate the bite plane for optimal contact.
- Customize thickness and contours for comfort—thinner for daytime use, more robust for night guards.
- Incorporate features like canine guidance to redirect forces away from sensitive areas.
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This step is where personalization shines. If a patient has unique needs, like accommodating existing restorations, we adjust the design in real-time. It's fast, error-free, and ensures the splint aligns perfectly with the patient's anatomy.
Step 3: Material Selection and Fabrication
At the heart of every Precision Smiles splint is our choice of hard, clear acrylic (methyl methacrylate-based for strength and clarity). We select materials that are biocompatible, hypoallergenic, and resistant to wear—ideal for long-term use.
Milling or 3D Printing: The design is sent to our milling machines or 3D printers, which carve the splint from solid acrylic blocks. This produces a seamless, bubble-free appliance.
Layering for Stability: For added durability, we apply a reinforced occlusal layer if needed, creating a stable chewing surface that withstands clenching forces.
Our lab's state-of-the-art equipment ensures micron-level precision, resulting in splints that feel like a natural extension of the mouth.
Step 4: Finishing Touches and Quality Assurance
No detail is too small. The raw splint undergoes hand-finishing: edges are smoothed for comfort, surfaces are polished to a high gloss, and the fit is double-checked against the digital model. We also test for occlusion balance to prevent any bite shifts.
Every piece gets a rigorous quality check—visually, functionally, and even under magnification—to meet our exacting standards. If it's a hard occlusal splint, we ensure it's crystal-clear and lightweight, weighing in at just grams for all-day wearability.
Step 5: Packaging and Swift Delivery
Finally, your splint is packaged securely with care instructions and shipped via our free Australia-wide service. We include a case for storage and tips for patient maintenance, like gentle cleaning with non-abrasive solutions.
From order to delivery, most splints are ready in 5-7 business days, but rush options are available for urgent cases.
Why Choose Precision Smiles for Your Splints?
What sets us apart? It's our holistic approach: We're not just a lab; we're an extension of your practice. Our technicians bring years of experience, and our tech-forward methods reduce remakes to near-zero. Plus, sustainability matters—we use eco-friendly acrylics and minimize waste through digital processes.
Don't just take our word for it. One dentist shared: "Precision Smiles' splints are well-designed and never have issues with patients. Their crowns, dentures, and guards consistently deliver precision and timely service."
Ready to Protect More Smiles?
At Precision Smiles Dental Lab, making dental splints is about more than craftsmanship—it's about empowering dentists to provide lasting relief and confidence to their patients. If you're looking to elevate your restorative offerings, reach out today. Call us at 0420 550 249 or visit www.precisionsmileslab.com.au to get started.