Three-dimensional printing of occlusal devices for temporomandibular disorders by using a free CAD software program: A technical report

Digital workflow is an important tool in the development of intraoral appliances by additive manufacturing. The purpose of this article is to present a completely digital workflow that uses a free software program and a low-cost 3D printer to fabricate occlusal devices for managing temporomandibular dysfunction. Three-dimensional images were acquired of an open maxillomandibular relationship record by using a scanner. A free software program was used to design the devices, and a 3D printer was used to produce the appliances by using a biocompatible resin. An evaluation of the technique on 5 patients showed good internal fit of the 3D-printed device with a similar need for occlusal adjustment as conventionally fabricated occlusal devices.