Abstract

Clear aligner are thermoplastic polyurethane materials which produces small increments of tooth movements by each aligner tray. Clinical effectiveness of the treatment largely depend on the mechanical properties of the material. The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in invitro environment allows to evaluate the surface morphology of the aligners The aim of the study is to compare the surface roughness of different types of clear aligners after thermoforming and after invitro aging. A sample of 15 aligners from Group A (DURAN), Group B (ERKODUR), Group C (MONOFLEX) were taken for this study. After screening the subjects were scanned by intraoral scanner and STL file were imported to Maestero 3D software. Then resin models were printed and aligners were fabricated in the models by thermoforming machine. The first set of aligners were scanned by Scanning Electron Microscope and another set of aligners were placed in chewing simulator for simulating intraoral environment. Then the second set of aligners were sent for SEM evaluation. Mean comparison of surface roughness and root mean square surface roughness was compared by paired t test and comparison among the groups was done by one way ANOVA test. The surface roughness of both aligners increased after thermoforming. This could be due to thermoforming process which could be due to temperature variation. After the ageing of the aligners in the invitro environment, there is homogenous and smooth layer of the aligner surfaces which could be due to adhesion of biofilm and polishing effect by chewing strokes.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.