Journal of Aligner Orthodontics, 03/2020

This article presents a summary of 3D printers and the materials used. It was previously published in 3D Printing in Dentistry 2019/2020 by Irfan Ahmad and Fahad Al-Harbi, Quintessence Publishing. The article has been shortened and contains the orthodontic-relevant topics. Keywords: 3D printing, 3D printer materials, CAD/CAM, materials

Distalisation is a very effective procedure to correct biprotrusion without extraction. Intrusion and extrusion make it possible to modify the occlusal plane to achieve sagittal and profile changes. Nowadays, new orthodontic techniques are available which, if used with appropriate biomechanics, make this possible. The present case report demonstrates the treatment of an adult Class I patient in whom maxillomandibular distalisation was performed using miniscrews to correct mandibular anterior crowding and biprotrusion, achieve anterior rotation of the occlusal plane and improve chin projection. After an orthodontic treatment with Invisalign (Align Technology, San Jose, CA, USA) and posterior ceramic veneers for the maxillary lateral incisors, aesthetic and functional rehabilitation was achieved. Keywords: distalisation, Invisalign, miniscrew

Pre-prosthetic orthodontics represents a common and useful approach to recreating proper tooth position prior to the rehabilitation phase (implantology and fixed prosthodontics) in adult patients with partial edentulism. Correcting tooth position can not only simplify the restorative procedure, but also result in more precise restoration and, above all, provide more reliable solutions in the long term. The aligner technique makes it possible to create an exact plan of tooth position and movements on a 3D digital setup and to release the forces for the planned movements in a gentler and less biologically invasive way. With proper patient compliance, the aligner orthodontic phase can achieve all the objectives necessary to simplify the following rehabilitating phases such as widening spaces, uprighting molars and intruding overerupted molars in order to recreate ideal conditions for full prosthetic rehabilitation. Particularly when planning molar intrusion with conventional appliances, auxiliary devices such as temporary anchorage devices may be needed to simplify the anchorage. The advantage of using aligners to plan this movement is mainly due to the application of the force that comes from the occlusal surface. This biomechanical approach makes the intrusive force more reliable; the thickness of the aligners will control the reaction force and, as a result, reduce the need for temporary anchorage devices. Keywords: aligner, digital plan, pre-prosthetic orthodontics

Objective: To assess the knowledge of the undergraduate dental students of the regional dental school in Madhya Pradesh, India, about orthodontics and aligners. Methods and materials: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 dental undergraduates at a regional dental school. All the participants were asked to complete a structured questionnaire comprising 12 questions over three main domains: future practice plans, interest in orthodontics and aligner therapy, and confidence diagnosing orthodontic cases. Descriptive statistics and a chi-square test were performed to determine the difference in response between the different student year groups. Results: Approximately 65% of first- to fourth-year students planned to use both fixed braces and aligners in future practice to treat orthodontic cases, in comparison with either treatment method alone. Around 83% of third-year students felt that the dental school curriculum should incorporate more training on aligners. Approximately 75% of fourth-year students felt that both traditional and aligner therapy are efficient. Over 50% of students in all years thought that traditional braces produce better occlusal contact than aligners. Approximately 50% of first- to fourth-year students stated that braces are more economical than aligners, but that aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces. Most of the student participants were somewhat confident about diagnosing dental and skeletal malocclusion. Many of the differences were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The present group of dental students displayed moderate knowledge about aligners but were not sufficiently confident to diagnose skeletal and dental malocclusions. This demonstrates the need to modify the current orthodontic curriculum. Keywords: aligner, dental students, knowledge, malocclusion, orthodontics

A number of scientific articles including case reports show proper correction of Class II malocclusions using aligners, yet treatment protocols do not provide sufficient evidence to allow standardisation and simplification of such orthodontic treatments, which would increase the success rate. The aim of this article was to highlight how maxillary molar derotation represents a strategic step to allow mesial mandibular shift and to gain space in the arch to produce the distal movement of canines, premolars and incisors to contribute to Class II malocclusions. Keywords: aligners, arch length, Class II malocclusion, horizontal overlap, maxillary molar derotation