Fabrication Of Orthodontic Appliances Research Articles

CAD/CAM in Orthodontics –A Magnanimous Journey

Orthodontics is one branch of dentistry which deals with dynamic manipulation and function of the stomatognathic system. Likewise, it has to witness the dynamic changes in its diagnosis method and treatment planning. The field of orthodontics has witnessed many revolutionary techniques and evolved enormously in terms of benefiting the patient. CAD/CAM is one promising methodology that has shown a significant impact in modern dentistry and surpassed some of the challenges an orthodontist has been facing all these years. It has changed the view through which we see the patient’s condition. The application of 3D technology allows the practitioner and patient to utilize virtual treatment planning software to better identify case objectives and visualize treatment outcomes. CAD/CAM has many applications in orthodontics, which include aids for diagnosis and treatment planning, clear aligner treatment, customized lingual appliances, customized brackets with patient-specific torque, machine-milled indirect bonding jigs, robotically bent archwires, indirect bonding systems, customization of orthodontic appliances like distalization appliance etc., Acceleration of orthodontic treatment (OT) has received growing attention in recent years, especially in adult patients.Digital workflow is the current trend in orthodontic practice and has speckled every aspect of orthodontics in terms of documentation, study casts, analysis of dental malocclusion, smile designing, treatment planning and fabrication of orthodontic appliances. The current article aimed to establish a narrative description of the digital workflow and applications of the CAD/CAM process in Orthodontics.

Review on Digital Orthodontics

Digital technology had a significant impact on our life since the introduction and sophistication of modern days. Medical diagnosis, teaching tools, treatment modalities and surgical techniques were improved significantly with the help of digital technology in the last two decades. Our review study is based on the orthodontic treatment, which is useful to study precisely the study to achieve proper analysis, and perfect diagnosis. It is now commonplace to perform virtual treatment planning as well as translates the plans into treatment execution with digitally driven appliance manufacture and its placement using various CAD/CAM techniques from printed models, indirect bonding trays and custom-made brackets. furthermore, it became more possible to remote monitor treatment and control it.
 The field of orthodontics in its new era is venturing ahead to more up-to-date technological point of view. Digital technology has a significant effect on our lives ever since the modernization of mobile phones. The advances in technology have remodelled the diagnosis and treatment plan in the field of medicine. Digital workflows are currently increasing in the orthodontic practice and has touched every aspect of orthodontics - with transformations in the documentation, study casts, analysis of a dental malocclusion, smile designing, treatment planning and for fabrication of orthodontic appliances.
 Three-dimensional imaging of the dentition, skeletal components and the face allows for treatment planning in three dimension and use of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) for customization of orthodontic appliances. Software integration of digital models, 3D facial imaging, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) make it possible to simulate the treatment plan and to attain good communication with the patients. Recent advancement in digital videography has allowed the clinicians to capture patient's speech, oral and pharyngeal function, and smile at the same time [1].
 Effective and optimal tooth movement required for the patient can also be monitored with the digitalization. Moreover, this digital platform has created the advantage of accessing the patient's information from any location with the help of cloud-based computing storage systems. These advancements have improved the efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and predictability of the treatment outcomes and have also led to progress in educational component and communication. The digitalization is bringing about a revolutionary change in the field of diagnosis and treatment planning, posing a challenge to clinical efficiency and knowledge.

Corrosion of orthodontic devices

A brief overview of the theory of corrosion and the formation of galvanic couples is presented, followed by a discussion of the metals and alloys used in the fabrication of orthodontic appliances and devices. Attention is paid to the factors that contribute to establishment of corrosion cells in the mouth. Although oral corrosion generally does not cause significant destruction of metal, it can elicit in patients adverse physiological responses such as local irritation and metal hypersensitivity. There are indications that orthodontic treatment may lower the incidence of nickel hypersensitivity. Destructive attack on orthodontic appliances does occur, however, when certain types of denture cleanser are used to clean appliances that contain soldered joints.

Beta titanium: A new orthodontic alloy

Historically, few alloys have been used in the fabrication of orthodontic appliances. This article reviews the gold-based, stainless steel, chrome-cobalt-nickel, and nitinol alloys, as well as beta titanium, a new material for orthodontics. Mechanical properties and manipulative characteristics are summarized to develop a basis for the selection of the proper alloy for a given clinical situation. The beta titanium wire has a unique balance of low stiffness, high springback, formability, and weldability which indicates its use in a wide range of clinical applications. A number of such applications are described.