Capabilities of Digital Software for Creating a 3D Printed Retainer

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The retention phase of orthodontic treatment is an important phase to prevent teeth returning to their initial position. An innovative solution for creating a retainer is through 3D printing by digital design. AIM: The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the capabilities of digital software in the creation of stabilization splint, type retainer, and after orthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An intraoral scan of an orthodontically treated patient (18 years) was performed. A Trios Color scanner (3Shape) was used. 3Shape Dental system design – splint studio was used for file processing and design creation. The method of 3D printing was applied to make the retainer. With this method, the objects are created layer by layer from melted material with different nature. It was made by Dental LT Clear Resin (a biocompatible material) with Formlabs Form 2 printer. RESULTS: Depending on the selected thickness of the retainer and the position of the lower jaw, the software generates different distances between the dentitions. The digital design allows a change of 0.1 mm, which is impossible with a classic laboratory protocol. The resulting printed retainer fully meets our expectations – tooth adaptation, patient comfort, and aesthetics. CONCLUSION: Digital software and design provide many opportunities for modern orthodontics.