Fracture Load of an Orthodontic Appliance for Robin Sequence Treatment in a Digital Workflow

CAD/CAM technologies and materials have the potential to improve the treatment of Robin Sequence with orthodontic appliances (Tübingen palatal plate, TPP). However, studies on the provided suitability and safety are lacking. The present study evaluates CAD/CAM technologies and materials for implementation into the workflow for producing these orthodontic appliances (TPPs), manufactured by different techniques and materials: additive manufacturing (AM) and subtractive manufacturing (SM) technologies vs. conventional manufacturing. The fracture load was obtained in a universal testing machine, and the breaking behavior of each bunch, as well as the necessity of adding a safety wire, was evaluated. The minimum fracture load was used to calculate the safety factor (SF) provided by each material. Secondary factors included manufacturing time, material cost and reproducibility. Dental LT clear showed the highest fracture load and best breaking behavior among AM materials. The highest fracture load and safety factor were obtained with Smile polyether ether ketone (PEEK). For the prototyping stage, the use of a Freeprint tray (SF = 114.145) is recommended. For final manufacturing, either the cost-effective approach, Dental LT clear (SF = 232.13%), or the safest but most expensive approach, Smile PEEK (SF = 491.48%), can be recommended.