The field of digital orthodontics has been growing in recent years. Researchers at Saint Louis University have spent the last three years developing new technology in this field. They are hopeful that their recent research into orthodontics could result in improvements in the process of creating retainers and ensuring patient comfort – resulting in improved oral health.
Researchers at Saint Louis University (SLU) have spent the last few years developing exciting new technological advancements [1]. Their work particularly involves retainers.
Moreover, their research has become widely known among researchers, resulting in dental professionals from around the world travelling to SLU to learn more about the work being done there [1].
Their research involves digital orthodontics – which is a growing area in dentistry. Orthodontics involves areas of dentistry like braces and aligners.
Covid-19’s impact on orthodontics
While Covid-19 halted a lot of research in multiple industries, researchers at SLU were buoyed by the demand for digital orthodontics. With non-essential dentistry being stopped due to the pandemic, there was a strong demand for dental help – especially digital assistance.
Over the last three years, researchers at SLU have looked into testing 3D-printed aligners [1]. They have done this in partnership with a South Korean company that specializes in 3D printing – named Graphy [1].
Recent advancements
The researchers have published the findings of the last three years of research. Their research has been published in the Progress in Orthodontics journal [1].
Traditionally, fixed retainers have been popular with patients that are in need of keeping teeth in their current position [1]. However, as time has progressed, they have become less popular.
The researchers noted that there are two main problems with fixed retainers – the time-consuming nature of the process of measuring and fixing them to the teeth, and then the potential tooth movement due to wires untwisting [1].
Orthodontists have had to manually bend retainers, making it a very long process for both the orthodontist and patient – which also requires trial and error to get the fit right.
Because of these problems, researchers have been keen on looking at the issues. SLU has been testing an on-site retainer machine that can bend the retainers quickly [1]. This machine can create precise retainers for patients.
Therefore, the two main problems that the researchers identified are being tackled. The process of measuring and fixing the retainers is shortened significantly. Moreover, the wires are unlikely to untwist, as the machine is capable of creating precise retainers.
The researchers found that so far, patients that have received retainers from the machine have experienced stronger stability when compared to traditional retainers [1]. This is a very positive sign.
The main finding was that by using 3D printing, that they were able to control material dimensions, structure and the actual aligners better [1]. Therefore, the researchers believed they were capable of making the process of tooth movement faster and more precise.
Could SLU take on Invisalign™?
Having the ability to improve tooth movement and the precision of retainers is very important and could lead to improvements in comfort and mouth function for patients.
Furthermore, there is also a chance that SLU’s technology could take on behemoth Invisalign™. SLU’s approach differs to the thermoforming plastic sheets used by Invisalign™.
Lead author Ki Beom Kim works at SLU. He hopes that with further developments, SLU’s research could erode Invisalign’s™ market share [2]. Kim explains that “Invisalign™ is a $25billion company”, but that many companies are attempting to compete with them [2]. However, Kim has pointed out that SLU is “the first school” to attempt to compete [2].
Kim described the difficulty of working in orthodontics, suggesting that “orthodontics is a thinking game, like chess. You’re constantly maneuvering pieces to solve problems that will not only improve a patient’s smile but their quality of life” [2].
These advances in research are definitely positive. SLU’s work is exciting, and could in the long-term result in better patient comfort and outcomes in orthodontics.
Thinking points…
[1] In the article above, Invisalign™ is mentioned. Invisalign™ is a hugely popular treatment which involves the use of clear aligners to gently straighten teeth over time. Here at Savanna Dental, we offer Invisalign™ treatment – which begins with a consultation, before the moulds are prepared. Then, we organize regular appointments to check the progress of treatment, and make any alterations if needed. Our patients are typically delighted with the results – you can find out more by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca!
[2] It is very important to look after your oral health. One of the most important aspects of this is to regularly attend check-ups. This will give a dentist the chance to take a thorough look at your oral health and suggest treatment if necessary. The earlier any problems are resolved, the better! We recommend booking an appointment now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.
We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Hertan, E., McCray, J., Bankhead, B., & Kim, K. B. (2022). Force profile assessment of direct-printed aligners versus thermoformed aligners and the effects of non-engaged surface patterns. Progress in Orthodontics. 23 (49). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40510-022-00443-2.
[2] Saint Louis University. (2023). Pandemic sparks key innovations in digital orthodontics. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-07-pandemic-key-digital-orthodontics.html. Last accessed: 29th July 2023.
