Tech Tune Up Archives

Tech TUNEUP – Making a Retention Splint

Most orthodontic patients will require long-term retention following completion of their treatment. The first in our series of Tech Tune-ups will show you how to use SCHEU DENTAL products to fabricate a retention splint, and demonstrates the following additional techniques:

Blocking out undercuts using SIL-KITT

Using an ISOFOLAN® spacer layer

Finishing -trimming and finishing

Our recommended Scheu-Dental foils/ blanks for making a retention splint:

DURAN®+
DURAN®
COPYPLAST® C
IMPRELON® S pd
DURASOFT® pd (1.2mm)

Step 1 – Preparation of Model

Survey the model and block out the undercuts using Blue Blokker® or SIL-KITT (clear or red).

Your method of preparation will depend on the material you have selected to make the appliance.

DURAN® – use an ISOFOLAN® foil
DURAN®+ – can be applied straight to the model with no additional preparation required. The ISOFOLAN® insulating layer is already attached to the DURAN®+ and is peeled off at the finishing stages.
COPYPLAST® C – moisten the model with water
IMPRELON®S pd – use an ISOFOLAN® foil
DURASOFT® pd – use an ISOFOLAN® foil and DURASOFT® seal

Step 2 – Thermoforming

For flat and shallow models, use the model platform. If the model is high or not trimmed, embed in the pellets. Use a pellet cover, to prevent pellets sticking to foils.

Heat the foil by setting the code and recommended heating times. Close the pressure chamber and open after the cooling phase has finished. Take care not to interrupt the important cooling phase.

Step 3 – Finishing

Remove the excess foil with a tricutter, diamond disc or scissors so it’s easier to handle, and ease the appliance from the model. Shape with your preferred burs such as the Bioperm trimmer.

Smooth the edges using the DIMO® wheels.

HINTS AND TIPS

IMPRELON® S pd should be cut straight as it is not suitable for shaping to the gingival margins.
If you are shaping to the gingival margins, we recommend using the DIMO®PRO SLIM

All the products and accessories used in this guide are available to order online.

Recommended products

DURASOFT® PD

Break and abrasion-resistant compound material. Hard on one side and soft on the other. The hard side bonds to acrylic. Pre-dried and vacuum-sealed for instant use.

DURASOFT® seal

Pressure moulding material made of thermoplastic polyurethane for use with DURASOFT® pd. Forms a robust inner layer of hard/soft splints providing good resistance against discolouration.

DURAN®

Hard-elastic transparent material which bonds to acrylic. No pre-drying required. Ideal for occlusal splints and retainers.

DURAN®+

Hard-elastic transparent material which bonds to acrylic. No pre-drying required. With integrated insulation foil.

Perfect for occlusal splints and retainers.

IMPRELON®S pd

A new formulation which is extremely resistant to breaks and abrasions. Heat resistant up to 109 degrees. Pre-dried and vacuum-packed for instant use. Perfect for retention splints and other applications.

ISOFOLAN®

Ensures optimum insulation for plaster against acrylic. Best suited as a spacer foil when pressurising hard-elastic material for splints.

SIL-KITT

Transparent silicone, used for blocking out undercuts in pressure moulding splints. Also available in red.

BLUE BLOKKER

Light cure blocking out undercuts, ideal for interdental spaces and blocking out bonded retainers on model.

SCISSORS

Robust and durable scissors for cutting splints or inserting cuts into splints after pressurising. Available in large or small.

HM TRICUTTERS

Fine, triangular bur for interdental finishing.

DIAMOND SEPARATING DISC

Trimming retainer on model for easy removal of retainer.