Revolutionary Occlusal Guard Technology

With all of the uncertainty surrounding our world with Covid-19 and patient satisfaction during this time, we must understand all of the options and technological advances available to us in the dental field. These advances can be seen through new and improved 3D printers and printing material taking the dental field by storm.

At Burbank Dental Lab, we embrace these advanced technologies and spearhead their success in our day-to-day operation. 

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, roughly 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders. This disorder causes extreme orofacial pain and can be seen increasing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The same journal underwent research showing that Israeli and Polish populations have grown exponentially with orofacial pain related to TMJ and Bruxism due to the stress accompanied by the pandemic since 2019.

Women, specifically, are suffering from TMJ disorders more than men. In a study done by the Indian Journal of Health & Wellbeing, women were more likely to feel the effects of stress and anxiety, two attributes that the pandemic caused more heavily in individuals.

With this knowledge, the time to prepare for cases requiring occlusal guards is now. Burbank Dental Lab offers a wide variety of occlusal guard protection. Still, one such product, in particular, has taken our research and development team by storm: KeySplint Soft Night Guard Material.

The Carbon 3D Team and Burbank Dental Lab

Our research and development team at Burbank Dental Lab worked with the team at Carbon 3D for over 2 years to produce a night guard that is top tier in aesthetics and quality. In doing this, the teams worked tirelessly to optimize Carbon 3D’s complex software and hardware systems and coupled that with the KeySplint material to formulate the next big thing in night guard technology.

3D Printing: Carbon M2

While many 3D printers exist on the market, Carbon M2 printers showcase a higher level of available accuracy (=/-50um). Using a printer that offers the highest level of precision and accuracy is the best way to ensure that your case achieves optimal levels of success. 

The Carbon M2 printer also allows for advanced customization options for ease by providing all types of custom occlusal guards that are perfect for each patient. This level of customization ensures patient happiness and appreciation while ensuring that the individual quickly feels relief from orofacial pain. 

3D printing also provides the following benefits:

• Quick turnaround time
• Accuracy
• Easy to follow workflows 
• Fewer errors
• Precise data capture

KeySplint Night Guard

Once you understood the manufacturing process to its highest level, the next step was to couple it with a material that would create excellent occlusal guard restorations.

This material, known as KeySplint Soft, has created the revolutionary KeySplint Night Guard. These nightguards have completely outdone all other types of nightguards that are used in dentistry today.

You can use this material to fabricate all kinds of occlusal gear, including guards, bleach trays, and splints. Its versatility has exceeded all expectations of the Burbank Dental Lab and Carbon 3D team.

Burbank Dental Lab’s COO, Andrew Sedler, said it best, “The product is off the charts game-changing whether you are looking at value or quality. The product delivers both in spades.” We are proud to use this product and allow our dentists to offer this product to their patients.

KeySplint Night Guard Benefits

Designing the KeySplint Night Guard

The best way to send an impression to our lab is with a digital file. There are two main ways you can do this.

If you use an analog impression, you will need to turn this into a digital file. If you do not take this route, an intraoral scanner may be used, automatically creating a digital capture and sending it to the lab with ease.

An occlusal guard can be digitally designed until it meets the specific needs of the patient and dentist. This will ensure that the patient will be pleased once the final case is fabricated and have no issues. 

3D Printer Output

As soon as the design for the guard is finalized, it is sent to a 3D printer like the Carbon M2 printer mentioned above. 

The steps are as follows:

The Importance of Occlusal Guards

The average patient does not realize the wear and tear they have on their teeth due to unforeseen circumstances. The last year and a half have been unpredictable and stressful, so it is vital to make sure patients have access to all of the best when it comes to their dental care. 

Burbank Dental Lab worked tirelessly with the Carbon 3D team to perfect a digital printing material that will ensure patient acceptance. As one of the first labs to offer such a product, we are thrilled to share this technology with our clinicians. 

Call us today or click the chat button along the right bottom corner to support your next occlusal guard therapy case.