The Use of a CAD/CAM Thermoformed Splints System in Closed Reduction of Condylar Fractures

Abstract: (1) Background: Mandibular fractures are very common. Common indications of closed\r\ntreatment for mandibular fractures are non-displaced or minimally displaced simple fractures in\r\nadult compliant patients with good dentition, the absence of occlusal disruption, and fractures in\r\ngrowing children. In closed treatment, the mandible is maintained in centric occlusion with a maxil lomandibular fixation (MMF) with orthodontic elastics. Many methods of MMF have been described,\r\noften using orthodontic appliances. In recent years, CAD-CAM technology has improved many\r\nprocedures used in maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics. The device we present is manufactured\r\nfollowing a digital workflow, and was designed specifically for MMF. (2) Materials: Two patients\r\nwith mandibular fractures were treated with an MMF method whose procedure comprised scanning\r\nof the dental arches, followed by construction of thermoformed splints on which buttons for the\r\nelastics and retention holes are made. The splints were fixed on the dental arches with composite\r\nresin at the level of the holes, and were kept in place for the period of healing of the fracture, with\r\nthe intermaxillary elastics hooked to the buttons. (3) Results: The application time of the splints was\r\nvery quick. The splints remained stable for the necessary time, without causing particular discomfort\r\nto the patients. (4) Conclusions: From our experience, this technique has proved to be reliable an