History of Bite Appliances

Immerse yourself in the history of bite appliances, and follow along in the revolutionary developments over the decades that led us to the completely digital production that is available today!
Our story starts in 19th Century Austria, where Dr. Moritz Karolyi developed the first bite appliance. From this point on, the development of bite appliances took its course as doctors continuously searched for ways to improve an innovate for the benefit of their patients. About half a century later, the dentist Rodney O. Lilyquist achieved a marvelous breakthrough by using acrylic resin to produce his splints, thus introducing the ‘’acrylic splint’’. In the years that followed, a new material was integrated: light-activated resins, which had a lower porosity than the previously used prosthesis plastic.

In 1990, NATURAL ESTHETICS was created and began to manufacture bite appliances. Over the years, our bite appliances evolved considerably, going from a simple splint to our patented BIORTHOSIS®. Many years after the start of production, we improved our appliances by incorporating new materials and digital technology. The use of hybrid plastics led to improved physical properties in the treatment of craniomandibular disfunction. After a long development
period, we were proud to introduce in 2013 our own bite appliance, the BIORTHOSIS®. The BIORTHOSIS® was, and is, a true milestone in our company’s history.
Another improvement in our appliance production in recent years is the introduction of our fully automated polishing machines into our workflow.
We are always working on developments and research for the future. Stay tuned!

  • Early 1900

    First Mouthguard

    Dr. Moritz Karolyi described a custom fitted mouthguard in Vienna, Austria.

  • Acrylic Splint

    Rodney O. Lilyquist, dentist in Los Angeles, made a breakthrough by using transparent acrylic resin to form what he termed an “acrylic splint”.

    1947

  • Early 1950

    Mouthguard Benefits

    The American Dental Association (ADA) began conducting research on mouthguards and soon promoted their benefits to the public.

  • Michigan Splint

    Sigurd Ramfjord and Major Ash (University of Michigan) develop the Michigan Splint, a occlusal splint with functional design features.

    1960

  • 1970

    Thermoforming

    New thermoforming units use vaccuum and pressure to thermoform Polycarbonate, an optically transparent material with a balance of stiffness and toughness.

  • Light Activated Resin

    Light activated resins display less porosity than chemically activated denture base resins.

    1986

  • September 1990

    NATURAL ESTHETICS

    NATURAL ESTHETICS starts producing occlusal bite appliances.

  • TMD

    NATURAL ESTHETICS start production of Maxillary Anterior Guided Orthosis (MAGO) TMD devices.

    2000

  • 2005

    Dot Dot

    Hybrid Resin

    NATURAL ESTHETICS uses hybrid resin material to improve the physical properties of Maxillary Anterior Guided Orthosis (MAGO) TMD devices.

  • Integrated Veneer

    NATURAL ESTHETICS introduce the first acrylic orthotic with integrated provisional veneer.

    Record Record

    2007

  • 2009

    R&D Project

    R&D project funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, conducted by NATURAL ESTHETICS for development of digitally manufactured bite appliances.

  • Product Launch

    NATURAL ESTHETICS introduces the BIORTHOSIS®, the first digitally designed orthotic with integrated veneer.

    July 2013

  • July 2014

    AiF

    AiF Project (German Federation of Industrial Research Associations), with University Greifwald: Development of biomechanically optimized CAD/CAM manufactured TMD appliances.

  • Genetic Smile Design

    New software calculates the individual genetic shape and dimensions of each tooth to achieve the best possible look.

    Februar 2016

  • 2nd Quarter of 2023

    Polishing machine

    Our polishing process for appliances is fully automated. Maximum comfort for patients is the primary processing objective. The surfaces are cleaned or smoothed and polished gently and homogeneously even in the smallest angles. Shape-retaining elements are not compromised.

  • A look into the future

    Stay tuned as we explore the future holds. Next in our sights – The development of the BIORTHOSIS® Set – a new treatment concept.

    Future