Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Mechanoluminescent Occlusal Splint with the Visualization of Occlusal Force

Abstract

The occlusal splint is a common medical device that is used to treat temporomandibular disorders. However, the current commercial occlusal splints still have several disadvantages in terms of flexibility, abrasion resistance, and occlusal inspection. In this work, ZnS:Mn 2+ /polydimethylsiloxane composite elastomers were prepared, and the mechanical and biological properties were investigated to evaluate their potential as occlusal splint materials. The results suggest that compared to the commercial occlusal splint material, ZnS:Mn 2+ /polydimethylsiloxane exhibits desirable flexibility, improved wear resistance, and excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. In addition, the elastomer shows intense and stable mechanoluminescence under oral conditions with a linear relationship to the applied load. This further provides a visualized approach for the convenient and realtime detection of occlusal high points. Based on the above results, a mechanoluminescent occlusal splint model was fabricated, which is promising to be applied in occlusal splint therapy applications.

Mechanoluminescent Light Sources Based on Nanostructured Systems for Biomedical Applications: A Review

“…In their following work, they developed a ML occlusal splint utilizing a ZnS:Mn 2+ / PDMS elastomer. 61 This ML occlusal splint exhibited a linear relationship against the applied load, offering a visualized approach for occlusal inspection. To detect microcracks on teeth, Im et al introduced an early diagnostic approach utilizing ML ZrO 2 :Ti 4+ phosphor and a stretchable photodetector array.…”

“…This result signifies an effective approach for examining the mechanic stress of artificial teeth in occlusal examination, proving guidance for dentist in managing occlusal surfaces for optimal occlusal balance. In their following work, they developed a ML occlusal splint utilizing a ZnS:Mn 2+ /PDMS elastomer . This ML occlusal splint exhibited a linear relationship against the applied load, offering a visualized approach for occlusal inspection.…”

Research of Stress Detection Based on Mechanoluminescence

“…Wang et al also present the occlusal examination of tooth by ML. A SrAl2O4: Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ (SAOED)/ denture base resin (DBR) composite [67] and ZnS: Mn 2+ /PDMS elastomers [68] were prepared. A new method to determine the occlusal strength of dentures based on ML strength is studied.…”

Flexible-elastic deformation measurement of ZnS:Cu2+ mechanoluminescent film using visual inspection and digital image correlation

“…Wang et al used ZnS:Mn 2+ -PVDF-ZnS:Mn 2+ multilayer structure to prepare flexible mechanoluminescent films and revealed the enhancement effect of the applied electric field on the luminescent properties of the films [19]. Han et al prepared ZnS:Mn 2+ -PDMS mechanoluminescent thin films through high-temperature solid-phase synthesis and introduced them to the study of oral material applications [20]. Although the studies above provide an important basis for the application of ZnS-based mechanoluminescent films for stress visualization and monitoring, there is a lack of analytical studies on the mechanical properties of ZnS-based mechanoluminescent films, especially on the structural mechanical response properties.…”