Direct 3D-Printed Orthodontic Retainers. A Systematic Review.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has shed light on many fields in medicine and dentistry, including orthodontics. Direct 3D-printed prosthetics, implants or surgical devices are well-documented. The fabrication of orthodontic retainers using CAD technology and additive manufacturing is an emerging trend but the available data are scarce. The research approach of the present review included keywords in Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar up to December 2022. The searching process concluded with five studies eligible for our project. Three of them investigated directly 3D-printed clear retainers in vitro. The other two studies investigated directly 3D-printed fixed retainers. Among them, one study was in vitro and the second was a prospective clinical trial. Directly 3D-printed retainers can be evolved over time as a good alternative to all the conventional materials for retention. Devices that are 3D-printed are more time and cost efficient, offer more comfortable procedures for both practitioners and patients and the materials used in additive manufacturing can solve aesthetic problems, periodontal issues or problems with the interference of these materials with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). More well-designed prospective clinical trials are necessary for more evaluable results.

Edentulous Space Closure Using a Clear Aligner System After Alveolar Ridge Split Augmentation.

Orthodontic tooth movement in adult edentulous, atrophic posterior mandibular alveolar ridges is a challenging task. In this case report, a young adult woman seeking an aesthetic orthodontic solution, presented with mandibular alveolar ridge atrophy due to a congenitally missing lower incisor. Alveolar ridge splitting technique using piezosurgery for bone augmentation was selected to minimize the risks of orthodontic movement in the atrophic edentulous space. Orthodontic corrections were planned and executed with a clear aligner system. The surgical and orthodontic interventions combined well together, addressing patients' orthodontic concerns, with minimal intervention, least discomfort, and reduced treatment time.