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Review
. 2024 Jan 29;16(3):371.
doi: 10.3390/polym16030371.

Advancements in Clear Aligner Fabrication: A Comprehensive Review of Direct-3D Printing Technologies

Poom Narongdej  1   2 , Mana Hassanpour  3 , Nicolas Alterman  1 , Frederick Rawlins-Buchanan  3 , Ehsan Barjasteh  1   3
Affiliations
Review

Advancements in Clear Aligner Fabrication: A Comprehensive Review of Direct-3D Printing Technologies

Poom Narongdej et al. Polymers (Basel). .

Abstract

Clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment by offering an esthetically driven treatment modality to patients of all ages. Over the past two decades, aligners have been used to treat malocclusions in millions of patients worldwide. The inception of aligner therapy goes back to the 1940s, yet the protocols to fabricate aligners have been continuously evolved. CAD/CAM driven protocol was the latest approach which drastically changed the scalability of aligner fabrication-i.e., aligner mass production manufacturing. 3D printing technology has been adopted in various sectors including dentistry mostly because of the ability to create complex geometric structures at high accuracy while reducing labor and material costs-for the most part. The integration of 3D printing in dentistry has been across, starting in orthodontics and oral surgery and expanding in periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral implantology. Continuous progress in material development has led to improved mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and overall quality of aligners. Consequently, aligners have become less invasive, more cost-effective, and deliver outcomes comparable to existing treatment options. The promise of 3D printed aligners lies in their ability to treat malocclusions effectively while providing esthetic benefits to patients by remaining virtually invisible throughout the treatment process. Herein, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of studies regarding direct-3D printing of clear aligners up to the present, outlining all essential properties required in 3D-printed clear aligners and the challenges that need to be addressed. Additionally, the review proposes implementation methods to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment outcome.

Keywords: 3D printing; aligners; challenges; essential properties; narrative review; orthodontic treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Different 3D printing techniques in dentistry. Adapted from [1,4,7,24].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Applications of 3D printing in dentistry. Adapted from [3,6,7].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Evolution of orthodontic appliances in dentistry.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Required properties of 3D-printed clear aligners.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Challenges in the 3D-printed clear aligners.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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