clinical technique _ direct splinting I Fig. 17_A tin foil template used to measure the size of the required splint. Fig. 18_Buccal view of the splint done with the woven quartz splint. Fig. 17 Fig. 18 Splint (Recherches Techniques Dentaires). The basic raw material used in this product is quartz glass, unlike regular glass fibre. This is the same quartz used to develop endodontic posts, which demonstrate cyclic fatigue resistance values that are much higher than desired in the oral cavity. Quartz glass is also homogenous with the Bis-GMA range of unfilled resin, which makes it ideal for use with restorative composite material, allowing it to become a monobloc with the composite. The quartz splint is developed as a woven fibre using extremely thin strands of glass fibres. The weave pattern imbibes certain physical attributes to the material. It allows force distribution in such a manner that it create the previously mentioned clinical zero memory effect and not resist and inhibit crack propagation. All of the above-mentioned effects are achieved without any compromise to the strength of the material. In fact, the quartz fibre will enhance and strengthen the monobloc that is created with the amalgamation of the unfilled resin, quartz fibre, flowable composite, and micro-/nano-filled composite material. Since the material is available pre-impregnated and is soaked in unfilled resin, it becomes all the more easier to use the splint right out of the box. The zero memory allows it to be adapted extremely easily around a curved arch without polymerisation. Once ideal adaptation has been achieved, it can be polymerised in that position and then layered with micro/nano composite to complete the splint (Figs. 11–14). Another critical factor in the variety of situations for which a splint is indicated is the width and thickness of the material. Too thick a material can be an encumbrance for placement and final positioning. An ideal thickness is between 0.1 and 0.25 mm. The thinner the material becomes, the lower its ability to reinforce and strengthen will be. The quartz splint is in the 0.2 mm thickness range, making it useful in almost all clinical situations. The quartz splint is available in a variety of patterns and widths. The recommended pattern for intra-oral splinting is the woven pattern. This is available in widths of 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm and 4 mm. Of these three, the 1 mm design is most suited for use as a retention splint in post-orthodontic cases in which the teeth are neither extremely mobile nor do they exhibit gingival recession and loss of the supporting structures. The 2 mm fibres are most ideally suited for teeth afflicted with previous periodontal disease. When the teeth are large in size and exhibit clinical crowns larger than the anatomical crowns, the 3 mm fibre may be used in lieu of the 2 mm fibre. The quartz splint has a unique design—much like a braided rope—giving it extremely high flexFig. 19_Lingual view of the splint done with the woven quartz splint. Fig. 20_A case requiring post-orthodontic retention of the upper incisors; the splint is to be placed on the palatal surface of the maxillary anteriors. Fig. 19 Fig. 20 cosmetic dentistry 4 _ 2009 I 25