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Comparing retainers constructed on conventional stone models and on 3D printed models: a randomized crossover
Norhidayah Mohd Tahir1, Wan Nurazreena Wan Hassan1,2, Roslan Saub3
1Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
European Journal of Orthodontics
|October 16, 2018
Summary
Vacuum-formed thermoplastic retainers (VFRs) made using 3D printed models offer comparable patient satisfaction and post-treatment stability to those made from traditional stone models. This 3D printing approach in orthodontics provides equivalent outcomes for oral health-related quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Traditional vacuum-formed thermoplastic retainers (VFRs) are fabricated on stone models.
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology offers a potential alternative for model fabrication.
- Evaluating the clinical efficacy and patient experience of VFRs made from 3D printed models is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare VFRs constructed on conventional stone models (VFR-CV) versus 3D printed models (VFR-3D).
- To assess patient-reported outcomes, specifically oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
- To evaluate post-treatment dental stability using Little's Irregularity Index (LII).
Main Methods:
- A crossover, randomized controlled trial design was employed.
- VFRs were fabricated on both stone and 3D printed acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) models.
- OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire.
- Post-treatment stability was assessed using LII.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were found in OHRQoL or LII between VFR-CV and VFR-3D retainers.
- Both groups reported significant improvements in OHRQoL after the initial intervention.
- While one group showed a slight increase in LII, overall stability was comparable between the two retainer types.
Conclusions:
- 3D printed models can be effectively used for fabricating VFRs without compromising patient OHRQoL.
- The use of 3D printed models for VFR fabrication demonstrates comparable post-treatment stability to conventional methods.
- This study supports the integration of 3D printing in orthodontic retainer manufacturing.
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