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3D-Printed Occlusal Splint for Reduction and Fixation of Palatal Fractures
Liang-Bin Huang1, An-Qi Fan1,2, Rong-Tao Yang1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Palatal fractures are rare and difficult to treat, lacking a standard method. We used CT DICOM data for 3D reconstruction, virtual fracture reduction, and designed a 3D-printed occlusal splint. During surgery, the splint was placed on maxillary teeth to aid fracture reduction and fixation. Postoperatively, the splint was retained, with intermaxillary elastic traction for 2 weeks and removal at 4 weeks. Three months later, occlusal relationship and soft tissues recovered well, and CT showed good fracture alignment. This first report on digital technology for palatal fractures proves 3D-printed occlusal splints are an effective digital treatment approach.
