In clear aligner therapy, rotation of small and rounded teeth such as lateral incisors, canines and premolars is found to be unpredictable. Strategies for improving the predictability of this challenging tooth movement include modifying the aligner material, thickness and shape. Recent developments in 3D printing polymer technology have enabled directly printing clear aligners, offering greater control over its design and dimensional accuracy. This presentation will explore the force systems produced by 3D-printed clear aligners with selectively increased material thickness and relief areas during rotation of a maxillary lateral incisor in an in vitro setting.
Learning Objectives:
After this session, attendees will be able to:
Recognize the potential of 3D-printed clear aligners to generate different force systems using unique geometric features.
Compare the material properties of 3D-printed clear aligners to those of thermoplastic clear aligners.
