Development of new artificial models for splint rigidity evaluation

– Aim: We developed two versions of an artificial model and assessed their suitability for splint rigidity evaluation. These models allowed the simulation of traumatically loosened teeth and the use of the acid-etch technique for splint application. Materials and methods: A straight and half-round arch bar model with bovine tooth facets were manufactured. Using the Periotest method, tooth mobility was evaluated before (PTVpre) and after (PTVpost) splinting. Two types of previously investigated wire-composite splints, WCS1 (Dentaflex 0.45 mm; Dentaurum) and WCS2 (Strengthens 0.8 × 1.8 mm; Dentaurum), were applied (n = 10) to each model. The relative splint effect (SpErel = ΔPTV/PTVpre) was calculated, and the working times for the models and splints were evaluated. Student’s t-test and the Mann–Whitney U-test were employed with Bonferroni correction for multiple hypotheses. Results: When comparing the relative splint effect of the ‘injured’ central incisors between the models within one splint type, differences were only found for tooth 21 (WCS2; P