Rigidity of various fixation methods used as dental splints

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Periodontology
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Dental splinting is crucial for stabilizing teeth following trauma or surgery.
• Evaluating the biomechanical properties of different splinting materials is essential for optimal clinical outcomes.
• Understanding the impact of splint rigidity on tooth mobility and periodontal health is an ongoing research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the horizontal and vertical rigidity of seven different dental splints.
• To determine which splinting materials provide optimal stability and flexibility for fixed teeth.
• To assess the potential of splints to support periodontal healing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 21 dissected sheep mandibles with intact soft tissues.
• Applied seven types of dental splints (Fermit, flexible wire-composite, Kevlar, Fiber, Protemp, rigid wire-composite, Triad Gel) to incisors.
• Measured horizontal and vertical tooth mobility using Mühlemann periodontometer and Periotest, analyzing adjusted mobility values.

Main Results:

• Triad Gel, rigid wire-composite, and Fermit splints demonstrated the highest horizontal and vertical rigidity.
• Kevlar and Fiber splints exhibited greater horizontal tooth mobility compared to other materials.
• Protemp and flexible wire-composite splints offered sufficient lateral support with beneficial vertical flexibility.

Conclusions:

• Rigid splints (Triad Gel, rigid wire-composite, Fermit) are effective for maximizing dental tooth fixation.
• Materials like Protemp and flexible wire-composite balance stability with flexibility, potentially aiding periodontal healing.
• The choice of dental splint material significantly influences tooth mobility and biomechanical support.