Novel digitally simplified method for detection of best position for attachments placement on tooth surface during clear aligner designing procedures.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 lecturer of orthodontics, Minia University, Egypt

2 General Dental Practitioner, Medical Insurance Institute, Minia, Egypt

Abstract

Aim of the study: The study aimed to develop a new easy applicable method to detect intended pressure points of the aligner over tooth surface using commercially available software which aid the designer to detect best positions for attachment placement over tooth surface. Materials and methods: Three different case scenarios were generated,These case scenarios were Scenario no.1: controlled tipping of upper right central incisor where thirty models were generated with different positive buccolingual inclination degrees of the upper right central incisor. Scenario no.2: Distal In rotation of upper left central incisor where thirty models were generated with different rotation degrees. Scenario no3: Bodily Movement of upper right central incisor where thirty models were generated with different bodily displacement degrees of the upper right central incisor.Results: Regarding scenario no.1(controlled tipping); the highest-pressure points were incisally (-0.652 ± 0.122 middle incisal) while the least-pressure points were gingivally (-0.508 ± 0.005 disto-ginigival). Regarding scenario no.2(distal in rotation); the highest-pressure points were concentrated distally (-0.145 ± 0.039 disto-incisal) while the relief points were concentrated mesially (0.215 ± 0.022 mesio-incisal). Regarding scenario no.3(bodily movement); the highest-pressure points were concentrated gingivally (-1.211 ± 0.074 Middle-gingival) while the least-pressure points were concentrated incisally (-0.033 ± 0.047 middle-incisal). Conclusion: A novel method for detection of the aligner pressure areas over tooth labial surface is conducted by Medit design software through deviation display mode. This method enables the operator to accurately position the attachment during designing of home-made aligners to augment a certain movement or limit another tooth movement.

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