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Heat Realignment for KeySplint® Appliances

Minor seating or retention discrepancies can occasionally occur due to scan variations or natural changes in a patient’s dentition. In many cases, these issues can be corrected quickly chairside using controlled heat adjustment techniques.

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Important: If the appliance will not seat properly, please contact our lab before making significant adjustments.

Splints & Full Coverage Appliances

Step 1 – Heat the Appliance

 
Preferred Method: Hot Water Bath

  1. Heat water to 167 °F (75 °C).

  2. Submerge the appliance in the water.

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Heating Times:

KeySplint Hard: 3 minutes

KeySplint Soft: 1 minute

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KeySplint Soft responds more quickly to heat and requires less heating time.

For larger fit discrepancies, slightly hotter water or additional heating time may be used.

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Alternative Method: Microwave Heated Water

If a hot water bath is unavailable:

  1. Fill a standard coffee cup halfway with water.

  2. Microwave for approximately 90 seconds.

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Important

  • Do NOT microwave the appliance.

  • Place the splint in the water after removing the cup from the microwave.

  • Water should be steaming but not boiling.

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Heating times remain the same:

  • KeySplint Hard: 3 minutes

  • KeySplint Soft: 1 minute.

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Step 2 – Correct Seating or Rocking

  1. After heating, seat the appliance on the model.

  2. Apply firm pressure to the:

    • Occlusal surfaces

    • Facial surfaces

    • Lingual surfaces

  3. While maintaining pressure, hold under cold running water for 30 seconds to set the new fit.

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If the appliance remains too loose, proceed to Step 3.

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Step 3 – Increase Retention

  1. Heat the posterior areas of the splint until slightly pliable.

  2. Gently compress the buccal and lingual posterior walls toward each other. Only light pressure is needed to significantly increase retention.

  3. While holding the new shape, cool under cold water for 15–30 seconds.

If retention becomes too tight, proceed to Step 4.

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Step 4 – Decrease Retention

  1. Warm the appliance slightly to soften the material.

  2. Seat the splint on the model.

  3. Apply gentle pressure to the occlusal surface.

  4. Cool under cold water for 15–30 seconds to set the adjustment.

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Clinical Tips

✔ Make adjustments gradually
✔ Small pressure changes can significantly affect retention
✔ Reheat and adjust in small increments if necessary
✔ Contact our lab if the appliance still does not seat properly

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Need assistance?
Our technicians are happy to help troubleshoot seating or retention concerns.

Palatal Appliances (D-PAS & Brux-PAS)

Step 1 – Heat the Appliance

 
Preferred Method: Hot Water Bath

  1. Heat water to 75 °C (167 °F).

  2. Submerge the appliance in the water.

​

Heating Times: 3 minutes

​​

For larger fit discrepancies, slightly hotter water or additional heating time may be used.

​

Alternative Method: Microwave Heated Water

If a hot water bath is unavailable:

  1. Fill a standard coffee cup halfway with water.

  2. Microwave for approximately 90 seconds.

​

Important

  • Do NOT microwave the appliance.

  • Place the splint in the water after removing the cup from the microwave.

  • Water should be steaming but not boiling.

​

Place the appliance in the hot water for 3 minutes.

​

Step 2 – Correct Seating or Rocking

  1. After heating, seat the appliance in the patient's mouth

  2. Apply firm gentle pressure to the occlusal and lingual surfaces.

  3. Maintain pressure for about 30 seconds, allowing the appliance to cool and retain its new shape. Then rinse with cold water.

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If the appliance remains too loose, proceed to Step 3.

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Step 3 – Increase Retention

 

This adjustment should be performed outside the mouth.

  1. After heating, gently press the lingual posterior areas outward.

  2. Only minimal pressure is required. Small adjustments can significantly increase retention.

  3. Hold the appliance under cold water for 30 seconds to lock in the new shape.

 

If retention becomes too tight, proceed to Step 4.

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Step 4 – Decrease Retention

  1. Warm the appliance slightly to soften the material.

  2. Seat the appliance into the patient's mouth, then remove it.

  3. Cool under cold water for 15–30 seconds to set the adjustment.

​

Clinical Tips

✔ Make adjustments gradually
✔ Small pressure changes can significantly affect retention
✔ Reheat and adjust in small increments if necessary
✔ Contact our lab if the appliance still does not seat properly

​

Need assistance?
Our technicians are happy to help troubleshoot seating or retention concerns.

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