As demand in orthodontic treatments using clear aligners increases due to esthetics and comfort, fabrication methods of the aligners has been evolving from manual set-up through CAD-CAM technology to direct printing. 3D printed models and digital impression using scanners have reduced errors made by plaster models using conventional impression taking in fabricating clear aligners. As of now, the advantages of direct printed clear aligners are supposed to be more accurate but shorter processing steps and less waste compared to those of traditional thermoformed aligners. Recently in Korea, two 3D direct printing resins were developed and drawn attention by the field of Korean orthodontics: ZMD-1000B (DENTIS, Daegu, Korea) and Graphy Tera Harx TC-85 DAC resin (Graphy Inc, Seoul, Korea). First of all, optimal protocols in fabricating direct aligners for clinical trials is searched for. As a next step, clinical outcome should be assessed compared to previous generation of clear aligners.
Learning Objectives:
After this session, attendees will be able to:
Describe diagnostic criteria and considerations based on limitations and treatment effectiveness of printed aligners, and advantages and disadvantages regarding direct printed clear aligners compared to conventional orthodontic alternatives.
Manipulate digital data for fabricating direct printed clear aligners using the resins, and assess the factors that are related to their characteristics such as different curing time, rinsing timing, power setting, and post-curing protocols.
Compare clinical results and efficiency from various clear aligners such as direct printed aligners, thermos-forming-aligners and CAD-CAM aligners for the different types of tooth movements including rotation, extrusion, intrusion, and tipping.
