Lecture Description
Introduction : Since Invisalign was first commercialized in 1999, Invisalign treatment has been positioned as an alternative to bracket and wire treatments, and it has continued to challenge various and even so-called difficult cases. The Invisalign-like clear aligners are made by 3D printing the interim models and vacuum-forming the transparent sheets. Although they have advantages compared to conventional orthodontic treatments, they also have some disadvantages such as making interim models which can precipitate environmental issues and waste time and cost, and needing a lot of attachments, and so on. Recently, as the introduction of digital systems such as oral scanners, milling machines, and 3D printers has been accelerated in the orthodontic field as well as in the dental field, attempts are being made to directly 3D print clear aligners using 3D printers in the areas of orthodontic departments. This directly 3D printed clear aligner does not need to make intermediate models, and the shape and thickness of the aligners can be adjusted depending on the shell parts by software. So, there are many advantages such as saving time, cost, and workflow, relieving environmental problems, simplifying the devices, and increasing mechanical efficiency.
Case Summary : I will report cases of 7 male and female patients from the ages of 20s to that of 50s with spacings and minor crowdings treated by clear aligners which were directly 3D printed by various types of printers. Pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs and cephalometric and panoramic X-rays demonstrated effective, stable, and good treatment results.
Conclusion : Directly 3D printed clear aligners have successfully accomplished the orthodontic treatment of patients with malocclusions. Good and effective results were obtained by the directly 3D printed clear aligners. And they had the potential as an alternative to Invisalign-like clear aligners.
October 28-30, 2022 ¡¤ COEX, Seoul, Korea