Dental Sleep Medicine Insider May 2017 | Page 20

Seamless Appliance Delivery

“ The appliance doesn ’ t fit !”

We ’ ve all heard it before . . . “ my patient ’ s appliance is too loose or too tight ”. This can sometimes be caused by distorted impressions or working models . That being said , usually the culprit in this scenario is the method used to block out the undercuts on the working models . Most manufacturers still rely on a manual process , using a lab technician to “ eye ball ” the exact amount of block out material required for proper path of insertion and smooth delivery of the appliance at chair side . This older manufacturing method can sometimes result in poor fitting appliances , requiring time-consuming acrylic adjustments or the necessity to return the sleep appliance back to the manufacturer . This can be frustrating for both the patient and dentist ( and admittedly , for the lab ).
DynaFlex , a United States registered manufacturing facility has recently introduced advancements in digital technology that eliminates the old “ eye balling ” manual process of blocking out

With DIGITAL Technology

ALEX BUDDEMEYER

“ THE DIGITAL BLOCKOUT PROCESS ”

for undercuts during the fabrication process .
This year , DynaFlex started providing our clients with digital blockout for appliance fabrication . This means the manual guesswork of undercut relief by the lab technician has been removed from the manufacturing process . The precision of the digital blockout technology provides you with a more consistent appliance fit every time . Based on the different materials , Dyna- Flex sets the software to a specific tolerance level that works best for retention and delivery of each appliance . Depending on preferences , the dentist can now customize this tolerance level to the exact retention amount ( more or less ) that they prefer with the type of appliance and the type of material ( acrylic , comfort fit or Accu-fit ). The new digital block out process provides a consistent delivery schedule , saving both chair-time and improving the patient workflow in your practice .
The new digital blockout technology is only one of the digital advancements that DynaFlex has implemented into the custom manufacturing of your sleep devices . DynaFlex can also help you make the most of your digital technology . We accept all . stl files making the entire process easy and accurate from your intraoral scan to final appliance delivery . In addition , your patient ’ s working models and bite registration are digitally stored forever and a day . Digital storage makes it easy to replace a lost or pet-destroyed appliance . Digital storage makes appliance replacement as simple as a phone call or email to DynaFlex .

ALEX BUDDEMEYER , CDT

If you have additional questions about digital technology and dental sleep appliances please contact me at alexb @ dynaflex . com .