Análisis comparativo del aumento de dimensión vertical para elaboración de férulas mediante método convencional vs digital

Abstract

This in vitro study evaluated the accuracy and reproducibility of vertical dimension of occlusion increase achieved through the digital design of occlusal splints using three dental CAD systems: Exocad, InLab, and Medit, with a conventional articulator-based method serving as the reference. Occlusal splints were designed from a standardized STL dataset and manufactured using a 3D printing workflow, after which the resulting vertical dimension was measured and analyzed. Additionally, three-dimensional superimposition was performed to assess the geometric agreement of the designs. The results revealed statistically significant differences among the evaluated groups (p < 0.001). Medit produced values closest to the reference condition, whereas InLab showed the greatest overestimation of the vertical dimension and Exocad demonstrated intermediate results. In the three-dimensional evaluation, InLab exhibited the smallest surface deviation from the control model. It can be concluded that digital modification of the vertical dimension of occlusion is a feasible procedure; however, its accuracy and reproducibility depend on the CAD system used. Therefore, verification of design parameters prior to manufacturing occlusal splints is recommended to ensure clinically predictable outcomes.