Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Mechanoluminescent Occlusal Splint with the Visualization of Occlusal Force

Abstract

The occlusal splint is a common medical device that is used to treat temporomandibular disorders. However, the current commercial occlusal splints still have several disadvantages in terms of flexibility, abrasion resistance, and occlusal inspection. In this work, ZnS:Mn2+/polydimethylsiloxane composite elastomers were prepared, and the mechanical and biological properties were investigated to evaluate their potential as occlusal splint materials. The results suggest that compared to the commercial occlusal splint material, ZnS:Mn2+/polydimethylsiloxane exhibits desirable flexibility, improved wear resistance, and excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. In addition, the elastomer shows intense and stable mechanoluminescence under oral conditions with a linear relationship to the applied load. This further provides a visualized approach for the convenient and real-time detection of occlusal high points. Based on the above results, a mechanoluminescent occlusal splint model was fabricated, which is promising to be applied in occlusal splint therapy applications.