Design Flat Plane Occlusal Splints in Minutes | BlueSkyPlan Workflow
- BlueSkyBio.Digital
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
How to Design Flat Plane Occlusal Splints in BlueSkyPlan
BlueSkyPlan includes a built-in module that lets you design flat plane occlusal splints directly from your scan data.
In this video, you’ll see the complete digital workflow — from scan import and splint design to STL export for 3D printing.
What You’ll Learn in the Tutorial
This is a real workflow walkthrough built to show how clinicians can create flat plane occlusal splints in BlueSkyPlan in a way that feels practical, efficient, and achievable.
Inside the Video
✓ Import and align scan data — begin with a clean digital setup inside BlueSkyPlan. |
✓ Design the splint — create a flat plane occlusal splint using the built-in module. |
✓ Adjust occlusion and thickness — fine-tune the design exactly how you want it. |
✓ Export to STL — prepare the file for same-day in-office 3D printing. |
✓ Bring splint production in-house — reduce lab costs and add a higher-margin service. |
Learn the workflow. Try it yourself with BlueSkyPlan.
BlueSkyPlan is free to download and free to use.
Short on time? Let LabPronto Handle It. Upload your scan, and LabPronto takes care of the design and manufacturing — delivered ready to seat.  |
Flat Plane Occlusal Splints FAQ
What is a flat plane occlusal splint?
A flat plane occlusal splint is a removable dental appliance that covers the occlusal surfaces of the upper or lower teeth with a flat, even biting surface. It is commonly used to treat bruxism, TMJ disorders, and muscle tension by preventing tooth-to-tooth contact and allowing the jaw to settle into a relaxed position. It is also referred to as a Michigan splint or a stabilization splint.
Can I design a flat plane occlusal splint in BlueSkyPlan?
Yes. BlueSkyPlan includes a built-in occlusal splint design module that allows dentists to design flat plane splints directly from an intraoral scan. The software is free to download and free to design in — you only pay a low-cost per-case export fee when you're ready to export your final STL file for 3D printing.
Is BlueSkyPlan free?
BlueSkyPlan is free to download and free to use for designing dental appliances including occlusal splints, surgical guides, and clear aligners. There is no subscription and no license fee. A low-cost export fee applies only when you export a completed design for fabrication.
What do I need to design occlusal splints in-house?
To design and fabricate occlusal splints in your practice, you need three things: an intraoral scanner (or a desktop scanner with a physical model), BlueSkyPlan software (free download), and a 3D printer capable of printing dental-grade resin. BlueSkyPlan accepts STL and PLY scan files from all major intraoral scanners.
How long does it take to design a flat plane splint in BlueSkyPlan?
A flat plane occlusal splint can be designed in BlueSkyPlan in approximately 5 to 10 minutes once you are familiar with the workflow. The step-by-step guided process includes importing your scan, setting the occlusal plane, drawing the splint curve, setting raised areas, and editing the splint model — all within the software's splint module.
What scanners are compatible with BlueSkyPlan?
BlueSkyPlan accepts STL and PLY files, which means it is compatible with virtually all intraoral and desktop scanners on the market, including 3Shape TRIOS, iTero, Medit, Carestream, Planmeca, CEREC, and others.
Can I 3D print occlusal splints designed in BlueSkyPlan?
Yes. Once you export your splint design from BlueSkyPlan as an STL file, you can 3D print it on any compatible dental 3D printer using a biocompatible splint resin. This allows you to fabricate the splint chairside in your own practice without sending the case to a lab.
What if I don't have time to design the splint myself?
If you prefer to outsource, you can send your scan to LabPronto. LabPronto handles the full workflow — digital design and manufacturing — and delivers the finished splint ready to seat. This gives you a done-for-you option without purchasing a 3D printer or learning the design software.
What are the benefits of designing occlusal splints in-house?
Designing splints in-house with BlueSkyPlan offers several advantages: lower per-unit cost compared to lab outsourcing, same-day turnaround instead of waiting on lab shipments, full control over the fit and occlusal design, and the ability to offer splint services as a new in-practice revenue stream.
Where can I learn how to design a flat plane splint in BlueSkyPlan?
BlueSkyBio offers a free video walkthrough showing the complete flat plane occlusal splint design process from start to finish. You can watch it at https://youtu.be/s3UD2Wj_HWs. Additional training is available at BlueSkyBio University at blueskybio.university.
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