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DIY Acrylic Appliance Guide

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

this video could also be helpful

Materials Needed:

  1. Impression trays (should buy various sizes and use the size that fits to your palate, for dental impression)
  2. Alginate (for dental impression)
  3. Mixing spatula
  4. Dental stone (for dental impression)
  5. Lab vibrator (optional, improves bubble elimination)
  6. Dremel (for shaping and refining the acrylic appliance, cheap, better). Also Dental burrs and Sanding drums for the dremel.
  7. Separator (to prevent the acrylic to stick to the dental impression)
  8. Polymer & Monomer (materials for creating the acrylic appliance)
  9. Monomer dispenser
  10. Orthodontic facebow (the metal thingy which connects to the headgear)
  11. Pressure pot (required to harden the acrylic appliance, choose as per budget and requirement: cheap, better, pro)
  12. expander screw (optional, to make it an expander at the same time)

Procedure:

This guide is compiled from various online forums and has not been tested in real-life. Please proceed with this in mind.

1. Crafting the Dental Impression and Model:

If you don't trust yourself there is some online shops that offer dental impressions for around $50 afaik. Alternatively, you can visit an orthodontist and try to convince them to do it for you. If you already have a recent dental impression of your palate, you can proceed with Part 2. Otherwise continue from here. Additional Note: Making dental impressions is much easier than creating the acrylic appliance yourself. If you will already do Part 2, you could just create the dental impression yourself as well.

  • a) Alginate Mixture Preparation:
    • Blend alginate and water according to the manufacturer’s instructions until achieving a creamy consistency.
  • b) Alginate Application & Setting:
    • Uniformly spread the alginate mix into the impression trays, preventing air entrapment.
    • Align the impression trays with the patient's upper dental arch, ensuring proper positioning.
    • Ask the patient for a gentle bite for precision in the impression.
    • Wait for the alginate to firm up, typically around 3 minutes.
  • c) Mold Extraction:
    • Carefully lift the impression trays, maintaining the integrity of the alginate mold.
  • d) Dental Stone Formulation:
    • Blend the yellow buff stone as per the given guidelines.
  • e) Dental Stone Casting:
    • Fill the alginate mold with the dental stone mixture.
    • Wait until it solidifies, rendering an exact teeth model.

2. Sculpting the Acrylic Appliance with Orthodontic Facebow and Expander Screw:

  • a) Acrylic Component Fusion:
    • Intermingle the polymer and monomer as per the set guidelines, ensuring uniformity.
  • b) Separator Application:
    • Prior to introducing the acrylic mixture, evenly coat the dental stone model with the separator. This step prevents the acrylic from adhering directly to the dental stone. Allow the separator to dry based on manufacturer's instructions.
  • c) Orthodontic Facebow and Expander Screw Placement:
    • With the prepared model, position the orthodontic facebow and expander screw, ensuring accurate alignment and functionality.
  • d) Acrylic Encasement:
    • Envelop the orthodontic facebow and expander screw with the acrylic blend, filling the dental stone model thoroughly.
    • Use the lab vibrator to release trapped air, achieving a consistent casing.
  • e) Acrylic Solidification:
    • Shift the mold to the pressure pot.
    • Abide by the recommended curing duration and technique from the acrylic or pot instructions.
    • Once set, delicately extract the acrylic fixture. Fine-tune its shape using the Dremel, dental burrs, and sanding drums. Ensure the orthodontic facebow and expander screw are firm and properly aligned.

Tips for Success:

  • Ensure all materials are prepared and organized before starting the procedure.
  • Be meticulous in following manufacturer’s directions for mixing and curing materials.
  • To ensure a more accurate impression, the patient should be seated in an upright position with their head tilted slightly back.
  • When pouring the alginate mixture into the impression trays, be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause air pockets.
  • When removing the impression trays from the patient's mouth, be careful not to twist or deform them, as this can damage the impression.
  • When pouring the dental stone mixture into the alginate mold, be sure to tap the mold gently to remove any air bubbles.
  • When pouring the acrylic mixture into the dental stone model, be careful not to overfill it, as this can cause the appliance to be too thick and bulky.
  • When curing the acrylic appliance in the pressure pot, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
  • When finishing the acrylic appliance with the Dremel, be careful not to overheat the material, as this can cause it to warp or deform.

Important Safety Notes:

  • Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling mixed materials.
  • Conduct the process in a well-ventilated space to minimize inhalation of fumes.
Edit
Pub: 16 Oct 2023 17:16 UTC
Edit: 05 Dec 2023 18:55 UTC
Views: 510