Thermoplastic materials are reshaping how dental clinics and labs approach restorations, nightguards, and occlusal appliances. Known for their flexibility, durability, and compatibility with digital workflows, these materials are a go-to choice for modern dentistry. Below, we explore practical uses of thermoplastics—and how Canadian dentists can implement them effectively with a trusted partner like First Dental Studio.

Why Thermoplastics Are Taking Over in Dentistry

Thermoplastics are polymers that soften when heated and return to a rigid state upon cooling. In dentistry, this allows for easy manipulation during fabrication and adjustment, offering both clinical versatility and patient comfort. Compared to traditional acrylics or metal frameworks, thermoplastics offer:

• Faster fabrication with digital integration
• Better fit and comfort in removable appliances
• Time savings during both production and chairside adjustments

Although some thermoplastics may appear cloudy rather than clear, many labs use pigmented materials to produce a more aesthetic result.

Top Applications in the Modern Dental Lab

1. Nightguards

Thermoplastics are the material of choice for nightguards due to their heat-reactive properties. These devices are rigid at room temperature but soften when immersed in hot water—allowing for easy adjustment and a snug, retentive fit.

• Comfortable for patients with bruxism or TMJ
• Durable and crack-resistant
• Adaptable chairside when minor changes are needed

Nightguards fabricated using digital scans and thermoplastic material can often be delivered within 3–5 days at labs like First Dental Studio.

2. 3D-Printed Occlusal Devices

Thermoplastics are also widely used in 3D-printed occlusal guards, deprogrammers, and splints, offering a great balance between rigidity and flexibility.

• Compatible with full-arch digital scans from scanners like 3Shape TRIOS
• Efficient turnaround with minimal manual grinding
• Reliable contact points for occlusal adjustments

At First Dental Studio, we integrate intraoral scan data and thermoplastic resin to ensure precision fit for every occlusal device.

3. Light-Cured Thermoplastic Polymers

Certain thermoplastics now cure with UV or LED light, speeding up production while preserving detail and strength.

• Cures in seconds when exposed to specific wavelengths
• Great for splints, trays, and bite guards
• Custom-tinted options available for esthetics

Many practices in Canada have adopted systems like VOCO’s light-cured splint materials to reduce lab time and enhance customization.

Digital vs. Manual Methods: Where Thermoplastics Shine

Thermoplastic materials thrive in digital dental workflows. With an intraoral scan, a digital design is created and printed using a biocompatible thermoplastic resin—avoiding messy impressions, wax-ups, or stone models.

Benefits of a digital + thermoplastic combo:

• Faster turnaround (often under a week)
• Lower remakes due to consistent accuracy
• Easier patient scheduling and workflow management

For clinics transitioning to digital, First Dental Studio offers full support with scan protocols, file uploads, and even scanner recommendations.

A Predictable, Cost-Saving Material

One of the key strengths of thermoplastic dental materials is predictability. Unlike materials that warp, shrink, or fracture unpredictably, thermoplastics perform consistently. This means:

• Fewer adjustments or remakes
• Increased patient satisfaction
• Reduced chairtime and lab costs over the long term

While the final appearance of some thermoplastics may lack perfect clarity, coloured or opaque options can still deliver a polished, professional result that patients appreciate.

Ready to Use Thermoplastics in Your Practice?

From flexible nightguards to digitally printed occlusal appliances, thermoplastics offer a winning combination of accuracy, comfort, and speed. Dentists across Canada are shifting to these advanced materials—and with the right lab, results can be both reliable and impressive.

At First Dental Studio, we specialize in high-quality dental appliances made from the latest thermoplastic materials. Whether you’re sending your first digital nightguard case or want to optimize your splint workflow, our Edmonton-based team is here to help.