I clinical technique _ direct splinting Fig. 21_Preparations done on the palatal surface; the area where the splint is to be placed has been grooved. Fig. 22_A tin foil template placed on the grooved area to measure the size of the required splint. Fig. 23_The woven quartz splint placed in the prepared area on the palatal surface of the maxillary anteriors. Fig. 24_The completed splint. Fig. 21 Fig. 22 Fig. 23 Fig. 24 ural strength values after complete polymerisation. The design of the material requires it to be between 1 and 2 mm in diameter. A deep groove has to be cut into the teeth where the splint is being placed to enable it to be adapted optimally. This design can be utilised when in cases in which an occlusal splint design is used to stabilise maxillary or mandibular premolars. Other than the woven and rope patterns, the quartz splint is available as a unidirectional fibre. This is not to be applied in clinical situations, but rather as a laboratory reinforcement material used to develop poly-ceramic prostheses. The quartz splint also has a 4 cm x 4 cm mesh that can be applied in denture repairs, for example. With material benefits aiding and improving the functional aspect of splints, there has been a newer approach possible owing to the enhance- ment of bonding dentistry technology. Shade matching, polishability, enhanced bond strength and much longer-lasting composites have all contributed to a much greater usage of direct bonding procedures in everyday dentistry. The emphasis this has given to aesthetic procedures has been tremendous. Similarly, the quartz fibre-based composite splint in a dentition with pre-existing periodontal damage can be enhanced to achieve a much better aesthetic result (Figs. 15–19). Although function has been the paramount and most critical issue when placing a periodontal splint, aesthetics now also play an important role. The patient and the clinician may not be completely satisfied with function. It is quite easy to apply standard bonding principles of a diastema closure to ensure that the basic substructure is appropriately located and thereby enable an excellent aesthetic outcome with longevity. This modification of a functional splint to an aesthetic splint can be easily applied for anterior teeth exhibiting extensive mobility or migration. Several of these cases can be seen in the following figures, in which the maxillary anterior teeth presented with diastemas and proclinations coupled with mobility. The results have been very satisfactory. This article has only touched on the fundamental concepts of splints and the new improvisations available in terms of material technology._ _about the author cosmetic dentistry Dr Ajay Kakar is in private practice specialising in periodontics and implantology in Mumbai in India. He is the secretary of both the International Academy of Periodontology and the Indian Academy of Aesthetic & Cosmetic Dentistry. He lectures extensively in India and abroad and runs a web portal for Indian dentistry at www.bitein.com. Dr Kakar can be contacted at ajay@bitein.com or at +91 98210 15579. 26 I cosmetic dentistry 4_ 2009