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. 2022 May 9;19(9):5775.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095775.

Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Orthodontic Retainers

Marcel Firlej  1 , Katarzyna Zaborowicz  1 , Maciej Zaborowicz  2 , Ewa Firlej  1 , Ivo Domagała  1 , Daniel Pieniak  3 , Joanna Igielska-Kalwat  1 , Artur Dmowski  3 , Barbara Biedziak  1
Affiliations

Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Orthodontic Retainers

Marcel Firlej et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Orthodontic retention is the final important stage of orthodontic treatment, the aim of which is to consolidate the functional and aesthetic position of teeth. Among adults, fixed retainers made of different types of wires are the most common. The aim of this study was to analyse the mechanical properties of a new generation of fixed orthodontic retainers-printed by 3D printers.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted using samples made of Nextdent MFH C&B N1 resin in the form of cuboid bars with nominal dimensions of width b = 3 mm, thickness d = 0.8 mm; 1 mm; 1.2 mm, length l = 30 mm for each type. The influence of the thickness of the retainers on their strength under loaded conditions was evaluated. Flexural strength, elastic properties, deflection, and creep were compared. The samples were aged in an artificial saliva bath at 37 ± 1 °C during the strength tests.

Results: It was shown that differences in the thickness of the samples affected their elastic and strength properties. The highest average flexural modulus, the highest deflection, creep, and strength was characteristic of the samples with the highest thickness (1.2 mm). Samples with an average thickness of 1 mm had the lowest modulus of elasticity.

Conclusions: The mechanical properties of 3D printed retainers show that they can be an alternative to metal retainers and the procedure of making new retainers, especially when patients have aesthetic requirements or allergies to metals.

Keywords: 3D printing in orthodontics; CAD/CAM in orthodontics; aligner; digital orthodontics; lingual retainer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Selected models prepared in Meshmixer software (Autodesk, San Rafael, CA, USA,) to support the production of an individually cemented retainer (a) Size of retainer; (b) Completed solid model with a retainer of appropriate thickness.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Placing prints on building plate; (b) First print of 3D—printed blocks on building plate.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Three-point bending test scheme.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Graphs from the three-point bending test. Nominal samples thickness 0.8 mm (a), 1 mm (b), and 1.2 mm (c).
Figure 5
Figure 5
The course of deflection changes over time (logarithmic) during creep.
Figure 6
Figure 6
The course of creep modulus changes over time (logarithmic) during creep.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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