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Introduction
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a cutting-edge technology that involves the creation of an object through the sequential addition of layers, being widely used in dentistry [1]. The benefits of 3D printing in the dental field include the straightforward handling of materials and the reduction of traditional labor-intensive methods. However, the primary drawback remains the significant financial investment required. In clinical dental practice, rapid prototyping is increasingly employed to fabricate and analyze prosthetic devices, functional models, crowns, surgical guides, and interocclusal appliances, including occlusal splints [2].
Occlusal splints are alternatives to control bruxism and serves as an auxiliary therapy in the treatment of some Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This condition, in the absence of prompt intervention, has the potential to lead to muscular and/or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, resulting in wear, damage, and fractures of dental components or the underlying bone structure. Furthermore, it may contribute to maxillofacial changes due to the forces exerted during mastication. The etiology of this condition is multifactorial and remains a topic of considerable debate; among the psychological risk factors, stress and anxiety may play a significant role in the progression of the condition [3, 4]. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a very common polymeric resin used, but it has low wear modulus and high volume contraction after polymerization [5]. In this sense, personalized plates for each patient, through three-dimensional (3D) printing, is part of a technological context that facilitates the execution of devices to control oral dysfunctions. 3D printing is considered an alternative to the conventional process of manufacturing bruxism plaques since this resource can reduce errors in the manufacture of parts, reduce costs and save time for the professional, in addition to reducing patient chair time [6]. Furthermore, three-dimensional printed materials have proven to be more resistant compared to the manual manufacturing process [1, 7]. Thus, an disruptive alternative is to incorporate nanomaterials into the medical devices, aiming to improve the mechanical and cytotoxic properties [8].
Nanomaterials as gold, silver, platinum, graphene nanotubes and others have high applicability in dentistry due to their favorable mechanical and physical–chemical properties for the oral environment [8]. In particular, graphene is a single one-atom-thick sheet arranged in a honeycomb-like lattice. Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms with sp2 hybridization,...