Novel lingual retainer created using CAD/CAM technology: evaluation of its positioning accuracy

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Technology

Background:

• Permanent retention is crucial for stabilizing orthodontic treatment outcomes, particularly for anterior teeth.
• Increasingly complex retention needs and limited intraoral space necessitate precise retainer positioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the intraoral precision of lingual retainers fabricated using computer-aided design and machining (CAD/CAM) technology.

Main Methods:

• 16 CAD/CAM lingual retainers were fabricated and intraorally inserted.
• Impressions were taken, digitized, and compared to virtual setups using 3D software.
• Deviations from planned positions were analyzed across horizontal, sagittal, and vertical axes.

Main Results:

• Intraoral retainer positions closely matched virtual setups.
• Positional deviations were significantly less than 0.5 mm.
• Deviations were minimal in horizontal and sagittal planes, moderately larger in the vertical plane.

Conclusions:

• CAD/CAM technology enables highly precise intraoral transfer of 3D virtual setups for lingual retainers.
• This fabrication strategy offers high predictability in challenging anatomical regions and limited spaces.