Revista Estomatología

Qualitative Evaluation of 3D Resin and Acrylic Occlusal Splints in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Pilot Study

Fernanda Montserrat Beltran Melendez — 2025-04-07

Abstract

Introduction: This study addresses the increasing application of digital technologies in dentistry, specifically in the fabrication of occlusal splints for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It investigates the effectiveness, fit, and comfort of splints made using conventional and digital methods (3D resin and acrylic), considering the importance of precision in TMD treatment.

Methodology: The research was conducted with a sample of ten patients, evaluating the splints in terms of retention, adaptability, tilting, and the need for reprinting. Conventional and digital splints were compared using qualitative measurements and patient satisfaction as indicators.

Results: Conventional splints demonstrated solid performance across all evaluated categories. However, a digital splint initially presented fitting problems, requiring reprinting. Despite this, digital splints showed significant advantages in precision and efficiency after necessary modifications, with high patient acceptance.

Conclusions: The research highlights the potential of digital techniques in the fabrication of occlusal splints, suggesting superiority in terms of adaptability and patient satisfaction, despite initial fitting challenges. This study underscores the importance of technological innovation in improving dental care for TMD patients, recommending greater adoption of digital methods in clinical practice.

Treatment alternatives for anterior crossbite in the primary dentition. Report of two cases

Laura Ramos Díaz — 2025-04-01

Anterior crossbite (ACB) in primary dentition is a malocclusion that is easily recognized by the general population and is a frequent reason for consultation. Once its etiology has been established, it must be treated in a timely manner to avoid alterations in the growth and functioning of the craniofacial complex. This malocclusion may have a dentoalveolar, functional, skeletal component or a combination. This article presents the importance of differential diagnosis in patients with ACB in primary dentition and shows treatment alternatives that are very well accepted by patients and have satisfactory therapeutic results.

Orthodontic and periodontal treatment in generalized stage IV periodontitis: A case report.

Maria Carolina Longlax — 2025-06-23

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of bacterial origin and complex etiology that triggers a destructive immune-inflammatory response on the dental support structures. Among its most relevant clinical consequences, particularly when associated with posterior tooth loss, are occlusal collapse, decreased vertical dimension, proclination, diastemas, and extrusion, situations that often require orthodontic intervention to restore the functional stability of the masticatory system.
Case description: This clinical case presents the diagnosis and orthoperiodontal treatment of a systemically healthy patient with stage IV periodontitis, generalized grade C, skeletal class I, maxillary and mandibular prognathism, hypodivergent pattern, microgenia, dental protrusion and proinclination, and bimaxillary anterior lingual thrust.
Clinical findings: The therapeutic approach was aimed at improving gingival health, facial aesthetics, and occlusal function by correcting tooth position, closing spaces, improving arch form, and muscle re-education to correct dysfunctional tongue patterns in order to maintain a stable and functional bite and long-term stability, combining biological, functional, and aesthetic principles in a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment: The treatment was carried out in three phases. First, periodontal therapy included risk factor control, oral hygiene education, scaling and root planing, gingivectomy, and speech therapy to control tongue thrusting, achieving periodontal improvement. Then, in the orthodontic phase, the MBT technique was applied with 0.022" slot brackets, using light and continuous forces together with sliding mechanics, complemented by periodontal maintenance at each check-up.
Result/Outcome: Facial profile improvement, stable occlusion through correction of anterior crossbite, normalization of tooth inclinations, elimination of occlusal trauma and closure of interdental spaces, anterior guidance, stable posterior occlusion, and adequate force distribution were achieved, significantly improving both masticatory function and facial aesthetics, which had a positive impact on the patient's self-esteem. The ortho-periodontal approach with gentle forces is key to preserving bone support, highlighting the importance of biofilm control, oral hygiene, and tongue re-education for stability and relapse prevention.

Bone grafts: Characteristics, properties, indications, contraindications for predictable bone regeneration - Part 1.

Edison Andres Cruz Olivo — 2025-06-16

Objective: To perform a systematic literature search to summarize the characteristics, indications and contraindications as well as the requirements to obtain a predictable bone regeneration.

Materials and methods: A systematic search was carried out in databases such as GOOGLE SCHOLAR, LILACs, PUBMED between 2002 and 2024. In addition, a manual search was performed according to the authors' criteria. The articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria related to the objective of the present review were selected.

Results: The systematic search yielded 350 articles of which 42 were included in the present review. Bone graft concepts, indications and contraindications as well as clinical requirements for predictable guided bone regeneration were extracted.

Conclusion: Autografts remain the gold standard in terms of regeneration of neoformed bone tissue. Allografts and xenografts have also shown predictable results overcoming the limitation of autografts in terms of availability and lower morbidity.