What Are Surgical Splints in Jaw Surgery?
You may hear about "splints" during your jaw surgery planning. Here is what they are and how they are used.
Surgical splints are custom-made, 3D-printed or acrylic guides that fit over your teeth to position your jaws correctly during and after surgery.
Types of surgical splints:
- 1. Intermediate splint:
- Used during surgery when one jaw is moved first
- Helps the surgeon position the first jaw correctly
- Removed once both jaws are in place
- 2. Final splint:
- Used after both jaws are repositioned
- Holds the jaws in the correct bite relationship
- May stay in place for 1β6 weeks after surgery
- How they are made:
- Based on the 3D surgical plan
- 3D-printed or fabricated on a dental model
- Custom-fitted to your teeth and bite
- What they feel like:
- A thin plastic or acrylic piece that sits between your teeth
- You may have it for several weeks after surgery
- You eat around it (liquids pass through gaps)
- Your surgeon will tell you when it can be removed
Do All Patients Need a Splint?
Not always. With modern 3D surgical planning and precise fixation, some surgeons achieve such accurate positioning that a post-surgical splint is not needed. Your surgeon will determine if a splint is necessary for your case.
Clinical Guidance
Surgical splints are custom guides that hold your jaws in the correct position during and after surgery. They are made from your 3D surgical plan and ensure your teeth fit together properly as the bones heal.