Advantages and disadvantages of the three-dimensional metal printed orthodontic appliances

Simon Graf; Nour Eldin Tarraf

doi:10.1016/j.ejwf.2022.10.003

Advantages and disadvantages of the three-dimensional metal printed orthodontic appliances

J World Fed Orthod. 2022 Dec;11(6):197-201. doi: 10.1016/j.ejwf.2022.10.003. Epub 2022 Nov 12.

Authors

Simon Graf¹, Nour Eldin Tarraf²

Affiliations

¹ Private Practice, Belp, Switzerland. Electronic address: info@smile-ag.ch.
² Honorary Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Private Practice, Chatswood and St Ives, Sydney, Australia.

PMID: 36379870
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejwf.2022.10.003

Abstract

Orthodontic digitalization has progressed steadily. Recently, three-dimensional metal printing has revolutionized the way appliances are designed and manufactured. The process offers several advantages over the conventional analog process for both the orthodontic team and the patients. This article aims to explore the process of three-dimensional metal printing and give an insight into the advantages as well as potential limitations and disadvantages of this new technology.

Keywords: CAD/CAM appliances; Customized orthodontics; Digital Orthodontics; Metal printed appliances.

MeSH terms

Computer-Aided Design*
Humans
Orthodontic Appliances*
Printing, Three-Dimensional