During this presentation we will discuss the differences between direct printed and thermoformed aligners. From treatment planning to aligner design and treatment protocols, we will discuss the pros and cons of each type of appliance manufacturing processes. Different companies have introduced advanced materials for direct printed aligner fabrication, however several questions remain unanswered: what are the forces delivered by by different types of material, how long can the materials properties be expect to last in a clinical setting, is the extra burden of design and post processing worth the investment in this new technology?
Learning Objectives:
After this lecture, attendees will be able to:
Understand the differences between manufacturing direct printed aligners and thermoformed aligners.
Evaluate the pros and cons of direct printed aligners.
Recognize properties of different materials used to thermoform and direct print aligners.
