This study is being done to compare conventional clear aligners with 3D printed clear aligners to assess if there is any significant difference between the microbial colonization of these appliances. The 3D printed aligner material and conventional aligner materials are being used for investigational purposes and have been approved for their use in fabricating clear aligners for orthodontic tooth movement, but not for the purposes of our study, which is for the fabrication of clear passive aligners to assess microbial colonization.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
All participants will receive a thermoformed aligner fabricated from polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) material. This aligner is made from using an intraoral scan to print a 3D model of their maxillary dentition, that is then used for the thermoforming process. This aligner will be worn 20-22 hrs/day for 1 week.
All participants will receive a 3D printed aligner fabricated from TC-85 resin. This aligner will be made using an Stereolithography (STL) file from their intraoral scan to design the clear aligner and then will be fabricated using the SprintRay Pro 95 S printer. This aligner will be worn 20-22 hrs/day for 1 week.
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Microbial colonization of the tooth surface
Assessed using a swab to the tooth surface (three times, once for each aligner)
Time frame: 1 week Immediately following aligner wear
Microbial composition of inner surface biofilm of aligners
Assessed using a swab of the inside of each aligner (three times, once for each aligner)
Time frame: 1 week Immediately following aligner wear
Patient perception of clear aligners
Assessed using a 11 question survey (9 questions use a likert like scale of 0(poor)-10(excellent))
Time frame: Approximately 6 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
All participants will receive a 3D printed aligner fabricated from TA-28 resin. This aligner will be made using an STL file from their intraoral scan to design the clear aligner and then will be fabricated using the SprintRay Pro 95 S printer. This aligner will be worn 20-22 hrs/day for 1 week.