Design and Utilization of a 3D printed Tooth-Borne Orthodontic Molar Distalizer Library

Abstract

This papers objective is to describe a method of in-office 3D designing and 3D printing of a tooth-borne molar distalizer and create a library to easily reproduce the needed distalizers in a private orthodontic clinic. Research objectives were to design and 3D print molar distalizers, clinically use in orthodontic treatment settings, assess the strength and frequency of debonding and or breakage. The print resin used was Dental LT Clear V2 (RS-F2-DLCL-02) from formlabs. The 3D printer used was a Formlabs 3B+printer. 16 patients were treated with these 3D printed distalizers. Patients selected were between 11 Years and 49 Years old, Class II occlusion with no skeletal Class II values. The skeletal cephalometric values of the six patients were within the range of SNA = 81± 3º , SNB = 78 ± 3º , ANB = 3 ± 2º. The mean duration of the 3D printed appliance was 14.58 ± 4.31 weeks. The aim reached, was to position molars and canines in a dental Class I position. The combined failure rate was 0.94. A library of distalizers has been made of sizes between 16mm and 29mm, they are easy to print and easy to use in office.