[Treatment of mandibular fracture using dental arch splints made of orthodontic retainer slice].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of treatment of mandibular fracture using dental arch splints made of orthodontic retainer slice.


METHODS
12 patients with mandibular fracture were treated with dental arch splints made of orthodontic retainer slice and intermaxillary elastic traction. Elastic traction ceased 2 weeks after normal occlusion was obtained. The dental arch splints were removed 4 weeks after treatment. The patients were re-examined 1 month, 2 and 6 months after treatment for occlusion and fracture healing with X-ray imaging.


RESULTS
All patients had ideal occlusion and primary bone healing after treatment. No complications and discomfort were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Dental arch splints made of orthodontic retainer slice were indicated for patients with single or multiple mandibular fractures without distinct displacement. It's easily operated, comfortable and cheap, with accurate fragment apposition, rigid fixation, rapid bone healing and good esthetics.
Huang
Tian-he
TH
Department of Stomatology, Shiyan Hospital of Baoan District, Shenzhen 518108, Guangdong Province, China. tianhe1967@tom.com
Liu
Ji-hua
JH
D003724:Dental Arch; D006801:Humans; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000628:therapy*; D018704:Orthodontic Retainers; D013165:Splints