Upgrade Your Occlusal Splints: Why Vapour-Polishing Changes Everything

Nylon splints are redefining oral appliance therapy, offering exceptional strength, flexibility, and ultra-thin comfort. However, there’s a crucial factor that determines whether your patient receives the best possible outcome:  Is the nylon vapour polished? 

 

The Hidden Problem with Untreated Nylon

Nylon is naturally porous. Without surface treatment, it absorbs saliva, accumulates stains over time, and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to discolouration, odours, and hygiene concerns—ultimately affecting patient satisfaction and compliance. 

That’s where vapour polishing makes all the difference. 

What Is Vapour Polishing?

Vapour polishing is a precise finishing process that gently melts the surface of the nylon, creating a sealed, smooth, and glossy finish. This eliminates microscopic pits and crevices, preventing bacterial buildup and staining. 

 

Key Benefits of Vapour Polishing:

  • Seals surface pores – Reduces bacterial absorption and improves hygiene 
  • Enhances comfort – Provides a smooth, irritation-free surface 
  • Resists staining – Protects against coffee, tea, and red wine stains 
  • Extends appliance life – Increases strength and reduces material breakdown over time 

Clinical Benefits at a Glance

BenefitWhy it matters
Hygienic
Surface
Easier to clean and less likely to harbour bacteria or odours 

Stain
resistance

Maintains a cleaner appearance by repelling stains from common beverages 
Superior
comfort
Smooth finish eliminates rough edges, reducing irritation for patients 
Greater
Longevity
More durable over time, requiring fewer adjustments and replacements 

Setting a New Standard in Nylon Splint Quality

If you’re currently prescribing nylon occlusal splints, vapour polishing is a great leap forward that enhances hygiene, comfort, and long-term performance. 

The vapour technology is complex, and at 3D Sleep, we’ve invested over 18 months refining and integrating this process into our production workflow. While some of the large overseas labs have now incorporated vapor polishing, at this point we are the only lab in Australia offering this crucial technology.  

Want to Learn More?

Whether you’re new to nylon splints or looking to enhance patient outcomes, upgrading to vapour-polished splints ensures better hygiene, comfort, and longevity. 

Contact the team at 3D Sleep today. 

Dr Harry Ball
BDSc LDS (Melb)) M Counsell (Latrobe), Grad Dip Counsell & HS (Latrobe)
Fellow of Dental Sleep Medicine (ASA)
Past Co-Chair  Dental Sleep Council, Australasian Sleep Association

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