Problem: Splints are uncomfortable and take too much chair time to adjust.

Solution: A bi-laminate hard/soft thermoplastic splint.

General dentists, periodontists, orthodontists, and prosthodontists are using splints every day to prevent bruxism and excessive tooth wear, stabilize mobile teeth, distribute forces to decrease trauma and aid in the periodontal healing process, and treat TMJ patients.

Splints come in a variety of designs. Hard acrylic splints provide the patient with an adjustable occlusal surface but usually require substantial chair time to make the appliance fit comfortably. Soft splints, although more comfortable for the patient, do not lend themselves to adjustment and repair and, therefore, are usually contraindicated.

The Dual-Flex Splint combines the best features of a hard and soft splint while eliminating the inherent disadvantages of either type. The portion of the appliance that covers the buccal, labial, and lingual surfaces is made of a soft thermoplastic polymer. At body temperature, this material is flexible but firm. It provides superior retention without creating any forces that can cause the teeth or tissues to become sore. No longer will you have to spend time trying to find "tight spots" on the appliance due to possible slight model imperfections. You will also find that your delivery appointments will be reduced greatly over conventional hard splints.

The occlusal surface of the appliance is made of hard acrylic that is chemically bonded to the thermoplastic material. This hard acrylic allows adjustments to be made to the occlusal surface of the splint as needed. Dual-Flex material can be utilized for all splint techniques.

The Dual-Flex is a bi-laminate hard/soft splint.		The Dual-Flex is thermoplastic - alleviating patient discomfort and decreasing chairside adjustment time.
The Dual-Flex can prevent the loss of vertical dimension.		The Dual-Flex can stop abnormal wear caused by bruxism.
The Dual-Flex can be used to reestablish the patient's normal vertical dimension prior to reconstruction.

Treatment procedures:

1. Start by taking a set of accurate alginate impressions and pour them up in yellow stone. Air bubbles or holes on tooth surfaces are unacceptable as they can negatively affect the fit of the appliance.
   
2. Provide a carefully taken construction bite that represents the exact vertical and AP position that you desire in the finished appliance. This is the single most important step to successful treatment after making the correct diagnosis. If you are unsure how to do this, call the lab for assistance.
   
3. Fill out the lab slip completely. Detailed instructions as to how you would like the occlusal surface finished are essential. For example, would you prefer a flat plane, occlusal indexing, cuspid rise protrusive contact in the anteriors, etc.
   
4. When sending the models and construction bite to the lab, always wrap them up separately. Wrapping them up in occlusion will cause the casts to break.
   
5. To soften the thermoplastic part of the appliance, always place the splint in hot water prior to placing it in the patient's mouth. Failure to do so may cause you to hurt the patient or break the splint.
   
6. Once the splint is seated, occlusal adjustments should be minimal, provided that an accurate construction bite was sent to the lab with the working models.
   
7. Every Dual-Flex splint comes with printed patient instructions. These simple instructions should be thoroughly reviewed with each patient to prevent breakage of the appliance and insure patient comfort.