Effects of different aligner materials and attachments on orthodontic behavior

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Mechanics

Background:

• Orthodontic aligners are increasingly popular as an esthetic alternative to traditional braces.
• Understanding tooth movement with different aligner materials and attachments is crucial for effective orthodontic therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate orthodontic tooth movement behavior using various aligner materials and attachment shapes for single-tooth movement.
• To compare the efficacy of different aligner systems in achieving specific tooth movements, such as bodily movement versus tipping.

Main Methods:

• 3D printed resin typodont models with extracted first bicuspids were used.
• Three aligner materials (BIOSTAR, BenQ, TPU) and three attachment shapes (ellipsoid-thick, ellipsoid-thin, bar) were tested.
• Canine movement (crown, root, long axis angle) was simulated in a water bath and analyzed using ANOVA.

Main Results:

• The BenQ aligner material resulted in less change in the canine's long axis angle, indicating more bodily movement.
• BIOSTAR and TPU aligners led to canine tipping, while the BenQ aligner facilitated bodily movement.
• Bar attachments increased canine crown tipping in BIOSTAR and TPU groups, but attachment shape showed no significant difference in tooth movement.

Conclusions:

• Attachment characteristics had minimal influence on achieving bodily tooth movement.
• High modulus aligner materials, like the one used in the BenQ group, appear more suitable for clinical applications requiring controlled tooth movement.