Additive manufacturing in orthodontics

Abstract

In recent years, digitalization and Additive Manufacturing (AM) have opened new perspectives in the field of personalized complex medical and dental prostheses production and could be very useful also in orthodontics. Additively manufactured clear aligners for treating orthodontic malocclusions have been tested and evaluated. The treatment began with a three-dimensional scan of the patient's study cast and occlusion, followed by a treatment simulation using the software for the orthodontic planning and design of teeth models in a normal occlusion. The aligners were made from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foil by thermoforming it over the model made by laser sintering. The process has been tested and evaluated. Apart from the relatively well-known clear aligner treatment, a new appliance for the treatment of Class II malocclusions in growing patients has been developed. The fixed sagittal guidance (FSG) appliance is individually designed to fit on the upper molars. It consists of a crown and occlusal inclined plane. The crown has been designed using 3D dental design software and produced by selective laser melting (SLM) technology. After finishing the FSG is bonded on both upper molars. During closing of the jaw, the appliance provides guidance anteriorly and inferiorly to correct the sagittal and vertical deficiency in growing patients and produces favorable and measurable dentofacial and skeletal changes. These two different types of appliances represent the first use of additive manufacturing for orthodontic praxis in Slovenia. The results show the great potential and future perspectives of additive manufacturing in orthodontic treatment.