Introduction: We mostly use a Michigan-style occlusal splint to treat patients with bruxism and/or temporomandibular disorders. The splint helps to protect teeth from grinding and clenching, prevents tooth wear due to bruxism and reduces strain to the jaw joints. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to present three different methods of manufacturing a Michigan occlusal splint using heat-cured acrylic, cold-cured acrylic, and thermoformed polyamide foil. Methods: Firstly, we reviewed foreign and Slovenian specialized literature about occlusal splints for bruxism and temporomandibular disorders. Then, we accurately recorded the manufacturing time and the quantity of all materials used. We made all three splints for a patient diagnosed with sleep bruxism. They wore each of the splints for 14 consecutive nights while sleeping. Based on the OHIP questionnaire for self-assessment of oral health, the patient assessed his health after each 14-day period. Throughout the study, the patient was not aware of the manufacturing methods used. Results: The laboratory process of manufacturing the three different occlusal splints is descriptively and graphically presented in the thesis. The splint made with thermoformed polyamide foil had the shortest manufacturing time (93 min). The cost of materials was the lowest for the splint made from heat-cured acrylic (EUR 7.95). Taking into account the processing time and the cost of all materials used, the lab version of the thermoformed occlusal splint was the most cost-effective solution (EUR 26.38). Furthermore, the patient evaluated his oral health as best after wearing the thermoformed splint. The patient also evaluated his quality of life related to oral health best after wearing the thermoformed. The heat-cured acrylic splint received the most negative evaluation. Conclusions: The splint made of thermoformed polyamide foil was the most cost-effective solution compared to the splints made from heat-cured acrylic or cold-cured acrylic. Moreover, the splint made of thermoformed polyamide foil was also the most positively evaluated by the patient.
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