Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc58/2/4
Thickness Variations of Thermoformed and 3D-Printed Clear Aligners
Ružica Bandić
; Department of Orthodontics, University of Split School of Medicine, Croatia
Katarina Vodanović
; Department of Orthodontics, University of Split School of Medicine, Croatia
Ivna Vuković Kekez
; Department of Orthodontics, University of Split School of Medicine, Croatia
Ivana Medvedec Mikić
; Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dental Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, Croatia; Department of Oral Surgery, University of Split School of Medicine, Croatia
Ivan Galić
; Department of Oral Surgery, University of Split School of Medicine; Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, Croatia
Danijela Kalibović Govorko
orcid.org/0000-0002-2598-9009
; Department of Orthodontics, University of Split School of Medicine, Croatia; Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, Croatia
Abstract
Objective: To assess thickness variations of thermoformed and 3D-printed clear aligners. Materials and Methods: Six different thermoplastic materials with different initial thicknesses were used for aligner thermoforming using Biostar® device (Biostar®, SCHEU-DENTAL GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany). Also, two different dental resins were used to create the printed aligners in three digitally designed thicknesses using IZZI Direct printer (3Dtech, Zagreb, Croatia). The aligners were measured using an electronic micrometer (ELECTRONIC UNIVERSAL MICROMETER, Schut Geometrical Metrology, Groningen, The Netherlands, accuracy: 0.001 mm) on a total of 20 points per aligner. Statistical analysis was performed using the JASP program (JASP, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Results: The difference between the thermoformed and printed groups was statistically significant. Significant differences between different thermoformed materials and between 3D-printed materials were found. The thickness of thermoformed aligners deviated more in the upper jaw, whereas the thickness of printed aligners deviated more in the lower jaw. Both differences were statistically significant. The greatest average deviation from the initial thickness was found in Duran 0.75; Erkodur 0.6; Erkoloc-Pro 1.0; IZZI 0.5; NextDent 0.6 and NextDent A 0.6. NextDent group had the lowest deviations for all teeth of both jaws, except for upper and lower first molar where NextDent A group was more accurate. Conclusions: Thermoformed aligners showed decreased values, while printed ones showed mostly increased values compared to the original material thickness. The highest mean deviation belonged to IZZI group, and the NextDent group had the lowest mean deviation. The thickness of both aligners was lower at the edges compared to the thickness at cusps and fissures.
Keywords
Orthodontic Appliances Removable; Three-Dimensional Printing; Synthetic Resins; Orthodontics; Printing; Three-dimensional; Orthodontic Appliances; Removable
Hrčak ID:
318093
URI
Publication date:
22.6.2024.
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