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3D-Printed Dental Splints: Custom-Made from PA11
PROTIQ manufactures custom dental splints by selective laser sintering (SLS) from PA11, a bio-based polyamide made from castor oil. The splints are bead-blasted and chemically smoothed, are more robust than many splints made from brittle SLA resins, and can be ordered directly online: upload your 3D data, select PA11 and the “Chemical smoothing” finish, see the price, and order.
The offer is aimed primarily at dental labs, dental technicians, and medical facilities that work digitally. For other dental applications, you will find specialized providers such as CADdent on the PROTIQ Marketplace.
- from EUR 7*per PA11 dental splint
- PA11bio-based polyamide made from castor oil
- SLS + smoothingbead-blasted and chemically smoothed
- a few daysfrom order to dental splint
*Prices depend on factors such as quantity, finishing, and the selected production time.
Material
Why dental splints made of PA11?
PA11 is a bio-based engineering plastic with robust mechanical properties that is very well suited to the SLS process. Polyamide parts are typically less brittle than many conventional SLA resins and therefore more resistant to mechanical stress.
Unlike many other polyamides, polyamide 11 is made from castor oil. For dental splints, everyday durability matters as much as fit: PA11 is a resilient, practical material option for long-lasting splints. Combined with chemical smoothing, the result is a dental splint designed for function and wearing comfort.
Stress test: car and steel-toe boot
The robust material withstands even extreme stress tests: a car can drive over the splint, and even hard kicks with heavy steel-toe boots do not deform it.
Process
How is a dental splint made using SLS?
The dental splint is made in four steps: the 3D data is prepared, the splint is built layer by layer using selective laser sintering, then depowdered and bead-blasted, and finally chemically smoothed.
- Data preparationThe 3D data is prepared for SLS printing, including orientation in the build space and checks for printable geometries – for high dimensional accuracy and a good fit.
- 3D printingA laser fuses the PA11 powder layer by layer. The surrounding powder supports the part – ideal for thin-walled geometries.
- Removal & blastingThe splints are removed from the powder bed, depowdered, and bead-blasted, resulting in a clean surface and sharp contours.
- Chemical smoothingThe slightly rough SLS surface is significantly refined – for more comfortable wear and easier cleaning.
Why chemical smoothing?
Surface quality is particularly important for dental splints. Chemical smoothing significantly refines the typical, slightly rough SLS surface. This offers several benefits for dental splints:
- More comfortable to wear
- Easier to clean
- Functional, uniform surface
Learn more about post-processing options: Finishing.
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Ordering
How to order dental splints on the PROTIQ Marketplace
From uploading your model and choosing the material, finish, and production time to placing the order – everything is in your hands, and you see the prices instantly.
- Upload 3D dataUpload the 3D data of your dental splints in the configurator.
- Choose materialSelect PA11 from PROTIQ. Depending on your requirements, PA12 is also an option.
- Select finishChoose “Chemical smoothing” for a smooth surface that is comfortable to wear.
- See the priceYou see the price directly in the material selection. Larger quantities benefit from economies of scale.
- OrderAfter you order, production starts at PROTIQ, and you will have your dental splints in hand within a few days.
Do you need several splints or place recurring orders? Save your cart as a project and complete orders later.
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Applications
What types of dental splints can be 3D-printed?
From PA11, PROTIQ mainly manufactures occlusal splints, protective splints, and anti-snoring splints. In dentistry, 3D printing is also used for many other types of splints – with different materials and processes depending on the application.
Protection against bruxism
Occlusal splints protect the teeth of patients who grind their teeth at night from wear and can help relieve jaw pain.
Protection during sports
Custom-fitted mouthguards protect the teeth during contact sports.
Therapeutic applications
In some cases, dental splints are used therapeutically, for example for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or for protection during certain medical treatments.
Orthodontic corrections
Aligners correct misaligned teeth and are an alternative to conventional braces. If they are to be as inconspicuous as possible, transparent materials are used.
Retainers
After orthodontic treatment, retainers hold the teeth in their new position.
Teeth whitening trays
For cosmetic teeth whitening, custom-fitted trays apply the bleaching agent precisely to the teeth.
Materials
Which materials are suitable for dental splints?
Materials for dental splints must be strong, durable, and suitable for use in the mouth. Which material fits depends on the type of splint, the required durability, and the desired wearing comfort.
| Material | Properties | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| PA11 (SLS) | Robust, less brittle than many SLA resins, bio-based | Occlusal, protective, and anti-snoring splints at PROTIQ |
| PA12 (SLS) | Robust engineering plastic | Alternative to PA11, depending on requirements |
| Biocompatible resins | Smooth surface, very detailed | Splints and models with fine details |
| Silicone-based materials | Comfortable and flexible | For sensitive teeth or gums |
You can find all plastics for laser sintering under SLS plastics.
↑ Back to overviewOther dental applications
Other dental applications on the PROTIQ Marketplace
Besides dental splints, 3D printing is used in dentistry for dentures, surgical guides, and models. For these, you will find specialized providers such as CADdent on the PROTIQ Marketplace.
- Dentures and crowns: personalized crowns, bridges, and model castings tailored precisely to the patient's anatomy
- Surgical guides: custom drilling templates for precise implant drilling
- Dental and study models: physical models for patient education and treatment planning
CADdent: marketplace expert in dentistry
CADdent has been active in dental technology for more than 20 years and offers precision manufacturing for dental technology and rapid prototyping – from metal and ceramics to plastics. CADdent provides this expertise as a manufacturing provider on the PROTIQ Marketplace.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about 3D-printed dental splints
What material does PROTIQ use for dental splints?
PROTIQ manufactures dental splints by selective laser sintering (SLS) from PA11, a bio-based polyamide made from castor oil. Depending on requirements, PA12 is also possible. For a smooth surface, the splints are chemically smoothed.
How much does a 3D-printed dental splint cost?
PA11 dental splints are available on the PROTIQ Marketplace from EUR 7. Quantity has the greatest influence on the price: the more splints you order, the lower the price per splint. You can see this directly in the online calculator – change the quantity, and the price is recalculated instantly. Finishing and the selected production time also affect the price.
How long does production take?
After you order, additive manufacturing starts at PROTIQ, and you usually receive your dental splints within a few days. The exact time can vary, for example depending on quantity and finishing. You select the production time yourself during the ordering process.
Why is 3D printing particularly suitable for dental splints?
3D printing allows custom splints to be produced precisely, reproducibly, and quickly. Digital processes ensure a consistently high fit and support efficient workflows in dental manufacturing.
What types of dental splints can be made with 3D printing?
3D printing can be used to make occlusal splints, protective splints, anti-snoring splints, orthodontic aligners, and retainers, among others. From PA11, PROTIQ mainly manufactures occlusal, protective, and anti-snoring splints.
How robust are PA11 dental splints?
PA11 is typically less brittle than many conventional SLA resins. In the stress test, the splints withstood both a car driving over them and hard kicks with steel-toe boots.
Why are the dental splints chemically smoothed?
Chemical smoothing significantly refines the slightly rough SLS surface. This makes the splints more comfortable to wear and easier to clean.
Who is 3D printing of dental splints particularly suitable for?
Primarily for dental labs, dental technicians, and medical facilities that use digital processes and value precise, reproducible dental splints.
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