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Preclinical evaluation of 3D-Printed orthodontic aligners using an electro-typodont model
Ammar A Al Shalabi1, Shaima Malik2, Hoon Kim3
1Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine (HBMCDM), Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|November 26, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an electric typodont for testing 3D-printed orthodontic aligners. The novel method effectively corrected simulated incisor rotations, demonstrating the potential of 3D-printed aligners in orthodontics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthodontics
- Digital Dentistry
Background:
- Conventional thermoforming for orthodontic aligners has limitations.
- Evaluating aligner efficacy requires advanced experimental techniques.
- 3D printing offers potential improvements in aligner production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel experimental approach using an electric typodont.
- To assess the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthodontic aligners.
- To evaluate the correction of simulated maxillary incisor rotation.
Main Methods:
- An electric typodont simulated four rotational severities (22°-52°) of Tooth 11.
- Sequential 3D-printed aligners (0.50, 0.75, 1.00 mm) were fabricated.
- Tooth rotation was measured post-heating and cooling cycles using a protractor.
Main Results:
- 80.0%-93.1% of planned rotational correction was achieved by the fourth aligner.
- Higher initial rotations correlated with greater correction percentages (p < 0.001).
- Aligner thickness influenced derotation dynamics but not the final outcome.
Conclusions:
- The electric typodont is a reliable pre-clinical tool for aligner evaluation.
- 3D-printed aligners achieved incisor derotation effectively without attachments.
- Aligner thickness variations impacted derotation speed but not overall efficacy.
