Affiliation:
1. Department of Developmental Biology Harvard School of Dental Medicine Boston USA
2. Senior Medical Scientist for InBrace Irvine USA
3. Postgraduate Orthodontics Program University of Southern California Los Angeles USA
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundContemporary fixed orthodontic appliances are shifting from non‐customized pre‐adjusted appliances to custom‐designed and printed appliances with novel digital setup systems. We are one step closer to precision dentistry and orthodontics using personalized mechanics and custom appliances. However, despite the evidential enhancement and other improvements to fixed appliances, tooth movement is still limited to five degrees of freedom. Opening or closing spaces still requires manually placing elastomeric chains or coil springs.AimIn this article, we aimed to demonstrate how advancements in CAD/CAM technology, reverse engineering, and digital customization are helping orthodontics constantly evolve, enabling treatment with enhanced esthetics and minimal compliance. The clinical system (InBrace®, Irvine, CA) described in this article uses a patient‐specific, digitally designed multiloop NITI wire that delivers friction‐free, light, and continuous forces and activates automatically whenever the malocclusion deviates from the digital setup.ConclusionThrough digital customization, InBrace allows for automated tooth movement in all six degrees of freedom, including space opening or closure, via programmed non‐sliding mechanics.Clinical SignificancePrecision orthodontics and personalized treatment have been significant developments in orthodontics recently. This article focuses on how a technologically advanced lingual appliance system could achieve targeted cosmetic results methodically via automation and personalization.