Direct 3D-Printed Orthodontic Retainers. A Systematic Review

DIGITAL DENTISTRY AND ITS IMPACT ON ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE

Over the past 50 years, digitization has gradually taken root in dentistry, starting with computer tomography in the 1970s. The most disruptive events in digital dentistry were the introduction of digital workflow and computer-aided manufacturing, which made new procedures and materials available for dental use. While the conventional lab-based workflow requires light or chemical curing under inconsistent and suboptimal conditions, computer-aided manufacturing allows for industrial-grade material, ensuring consistently high material quality. In addition, many other innovative, less disruptive, but relevant approaches have been developed in digital dentistry. These will have or already impact prevention, diagnosis, and therapy, thus impacting patients' oral health and, consequently, their oral health-related quality of life. Both software and hardware approaches attempt to maintain, restore, or optimize a patient's perceived oral health. This article outlines innovations in dentistry and their potential impact on patients' oral health-related quality of life in prevention and therapy. Furthermore, possible future developments and their potential implications are characterized.

Mechanical properties of materials for 3D printed orthodontic retainers

AIM

The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of materials used for orthodontic retainers made by direct 3D printing and thermoforming.