Journal of Aligner Orthodontics, 02/2020

Knowledge of morphogenesis of the temporomandibular joint as well as its pre- and postnatal development enables the possibility of making use of growth potential when advancing the mandible during both adolescent and adult orthodontic therapy. Keywords: development, growth, temporomandibular joint, treatment

During the orthodontic treatment of impacted canines with aligners, there will be a phase in which patients will have a wide space in the maxilla to host the canine extrusion. In this situation, aesthetics can only be guaranteed if the patient wears aligners containing some coloured resin, although this will not be of any help when they eat. An alternative option could be a customized shell covering the buccal surface of the first premolar (and, if needed, the second premolar) with a thin extension that covers the canine area. The lingual surface of the premolars can be used for sectional wires for extrusion and buccal forces. In this way, patients' aesthetics could be guaranteed at all times, while at the same time new aligners can be planned simply by taking a new scan with the 'G-Shell' in place and blocking the movement on the teeth. Keywords: aesthetics, aligners, anchorage, impacted canine

Orofacial orthopaedics is a well proven treatment option in the young patient, often followed by fixed multibracket appliance treatment in a second phase. Nowadays, aligner orthodontics allow a treatment alternative to multibracket appliances, offering fewer potential side effects and more comfortable and aesthetic treatments for the patient. The following article describes several options of functional orthodontics in combination with aligner treatment. Keywords: aligner orthodontics, Fränkel appliance, functional orthodontics, Invisalign, orofacial orthopaedics

In dentistry, technological advances and the advent of digitalisation coupled with the use of three-dimensional (3D) images has introduced a new concept of work that meets the cosmetic and aesthetic parameters expected in the 21st century and allows professionals to treat patients in a personalised way. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) 3D images, along with intraoral scanning and clinical examination, provide the multidisciplinary team – periodontist, orthodontist and prosthodontist – with the necessary data to reach a comprehensive clinical diagnosis. Predictability in tooth movements with orthodontic aligners is a major contributor to white aesthetics as it allows the execution of a precise treatment plan, determining the exact proportion of dental widths with the precise tipping and torque, all of which lead to the final aesthetic goal established by the prosthodontist. Keywords: aesthetic checklist, aligners, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), interdisciplinary orthodontics, KeepSmiling

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has found several applications in dental technology. Printers based on digital light processing (DLP) offer great accuracy, excellent surface properties and a wide range of printing materials. To simplify the construction, the liquid crystal display (LCD)- based printer, a developed version of DLP printers, uses an LCD panel as exposure mask by means of an ultraviolet (UV) light source. Materials and methods: This study compared 20 standardised test specimens and one working model printed with a conventional DLP printer (projection technology) with models printed using LCD-based technology. The objects were examined microscopically regarding surface properties and peculiarities of the layering and were measured with a digital calliper. Results: Microscopically, both systems showed excellent surface quality. Small fluctuations in the z-axis were found in the objects printed using the LCD technology. The measurements showed deviations of 0.06 to 0.13 mm from the computeraided design (CAD) construction for both systems. Conclusions: Printing results of LCD printers were similar to those of DLP printers. Due to its early development stage, further improvements in the mechanical stability and slicer software are required. Keywords: 3D-printer, accuracy, digital light processing (DLP), LCD