BaSi₂O₂N₂:Eu²⁺/PMMA Mechanoluminescent Composite Material for Occlusal Check in Occlusal Splint-Dentures

Our work developed a BaSi₂O₂N₂:Eu²⁺/PMMA mechanoluminescent composite for visualizing occlusal contact in occlusal splint-dentures. BaSi₂O₂N₂:Eu²⁺ (BSONE) was synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state method and incorporated into PMMA at different mass ratios (PB_X refers to PMMA composites containing x wt% BSONE). Among the composites, PB₄ (4 wt%) exhibited the best overall performance. It showed the highest flexural and compressive strengths and the lowest wear rate. PB₄ also maintained stable mechanoluminescent intensity under varying temperatures, pH conditions, and repeated mechanical loading, and demonstrated good cytocompatibility. When applied to an occlusal splint-denture, PB₄ produced clear luminescent contact points that corresponded well with T-scan and occlusal paper results. These findings indicate that PB₄-based occlusal splint-dentures offer a promising approach for visualizing and monitoring occlusal contact during clinical treatment.