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Direct 3D-Printed Orthodontic Retainers. A Systematic Review
Efthimia Tsoukala1, Ioannis Lyros1, Apostolos I Tsolakis1,2
1Department of Orthodontics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Dentistry, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 16, 2023
Summary
Direct 3D-printed orthodontic retainers show promise as a cost-effective and comfortable alternative to traditional methods. Further clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate this emerging additive manufacturing technology.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing is advancing medical and dental applications, including orthodontics.
- While 3D-printed prosthetics and implants are established, 3D-printed orthodontic retainers are an emerging area with limited data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on directly 3D-printed orthodontic retainers.
- To assess the potential of 3D printing as an alternative to conventional retainer materials.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to December 2022.
- Five eligible studies were identified, focusing on directly 3D-printed clear and fixed retainers, with both in vitro and clinical investigations.
Main Results:
- Three studies evaluated directly 3D-printed clear retainers in vitro.
- Two studies examined directly 3D-printed fixed retainers, one in vitro and one prospective clinical trial.
- 3D-printed retainers offer potential advantages in time/cost efficiency, patient comfort, aesthetics, and MRI compatibility.
Conclusions:
- Directly 3D-printed retainers represent a developing alternative to conventional retention materials.
- Further well-designed prospective clinical trials are essential to validate these findings and establish clinical efficacy.
