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Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture of Intraoral Splints: A Potential Role in Cleft Care
Ashley N Leberfinger1, Christine M Jones2, Donald R Mackay1
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|January 14, 2021
Summary
Digital scanning offers a faster and more precise alternative to traditional alginate impressions for creating nasoalveolar molding (NAM) splints. This computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) approach improves patient outcomes and reduces production time for cleft lip and palate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial anomaly treatment
- Biomedical engineering
- Digital dentistry
Background:
- Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a non-surgical treatment for cleft lip and palate using intraoral splints.
- Traditional impression methods carry risks like airway obstruction.
- Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) can streamline NAM splint fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of digital scans versus alginate impressions for palate registration in NAM splint manufacturing.
- To evaluate the impact of CAD/CAM technology on production times and splint fit.
Main Methods:
- 25 healthy volunteers underwent both alginate and digital intraoral impressions.
- 3D-printed acrylic palatal splints were fabricated from digital molds.
- Splint fit was subjectively assessed on a 5-point scale.
Main Results:
- Digital impressions were preferred by most subjects.
- Splints from digital impressions showed a more precise fit (4.4 vs. 3.9).
- The digital approach reduced impression time by over 10-fold and overall production time by 28%.
Conclusions:
- CAD/CAM technologies show significant promise for improving intraoral splint fabrication in cleft patients.
- Digital scanning provides a viable, efficient, and accurate alternative to traditional impressions for NAM therapy.
