Orthodontic Materials Research Articles

Study on the role of nano antibacterial materials in orthodontics (a review).

Nanoparticles (NPs) are insoluble particles with a diameter of fewer than 100 nanometers. Two main methods have been utilized in orthodontic therapy to avoid microbial adherence or enamel demineralization. Certain NPs are included in orthodontic adhesives or acrylic resins (fluorohydroxyapatite, fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite, SiO2, TiO2, silver, nanofillers), and NPs (i.e., a thin layer of nitrogen-doped TiO2 on the bracket surfaces) are coated on the surfaces of orthodontic equipment. Although using NPs in orthodontics may open up modern facilities, prior research looked at antibacterial or physical characteristics for a limited period of time, ranging from one day to several weeks, and the limits of in vitro studies must be understood. The long-term effectiveness of nanotechnology-based orthodontic materials has not yet been conclusively confirmed and needs further study, as well as potential safety concerns (toxic effects) associated with NP size.

Comparative Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength, Adhesive Remnant Index and Cytotoxicity of Different Orthodontic Adhesives: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Orthodontic adhesives should possess adequate bond strength and biocompatibility. Inadequate bond strength may lead to bond failures, and if the adhesive is not biocompatible, it may result in allergic reactions. Therefore, it is of prime importance to study the cytotoxicity and Shear Bond Strength (SBS) of commercially available orthodontic materials. Aim: This study aimed to comparatively evaluate in-vitro cytotoxicity, the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI), and SBS of various orthodontic adhesives. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in an institutional setting as a collaborative effort between the Department of Orthodontics and White Lab-Blue Lab at Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India, from July 2023 to August 2023. Forty extracted human premolar teeth were bonded with four different ARI adhesives (U Bond, Enlight, Transbond XT, Aqualine LC) (n=10/group) and mounted on acrylic blocks. They were evaluated for SBS using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM), ARI using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and cytotoxicity using the MTT {3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide} assay on Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells (HGFC). Statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA, with a post-hoc test for pairwise comparison to evaluate the SBS values, and the Kruskal-Wallis Test to analyse ARI inter group scores and cytotoxicity levels. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (Version 23.0) was used to conduct the statistical tests. Results: Significant differences in SBS values (p=<0.001) and ARI scores (p=<0.001) were noted between the different adhesives. No significant difference (p-value=0.534) in cytotoxicity was observed among all adhesives, with all exhibiting acceptable levels of biocompatibility. Conclusion: Primer-based adhesive (Transbond XT) demonstrated the highest SBS and ARI scores among the various orthodontic adhesives, with acceptable levels of biocompatibility. No significant difference was found between the conventional primer-based adhesive (Transbond XT) and the Single Component Adhesive (SCA) (Aqualine LC). Therefore, this study advocates for the use of SCA in routine clinical practice.

Biological significance of long-term bisphenol A release in the saliva of patients wearing orthodontic appliances: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Orthodontic appliances contain Bisphenol A and are controversial due to its potential risks for human health. Thus, the aim of the present research was to identify the presence of Bisphenol A in the saliva of patients wearing orthodontic appliances. A systematic search of the literature was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) and a manual search of grey literature. Research was done up to March 2023, without language restrictions. Based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, data were extracted by two independent reviewers. A total of 2293 potentially eligible articles were identified, of which 8 were finally included. The studies included a total of 238 patients and showed a moderate quality in the PEDro scale. All the devices studied released Bisphenol A into the saliva, with the polycarbonate brackets being the ones that released it for a longer time. The most significant increase occurred in the first 30 minutes after bonding with composites, reaching 697 µg/g. with polycarbonate brackets. Although a statistically significant increase of Bisphenol A levels in the saliva of orthodontic patients were found, this increase does not exceed the maximum allowable daily intake. Thus, the use of these materials can be considered safe for human health. Key words:BPA, Bisphenol-A, cytotoxicity, Orthodontic materials, Composite resins.

Evaluation of Bisphenol-A Release from Vacuum formed Retainers after Immersion in Distilled Water using High Performance Liquid Chromatography: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: With the increasing demand for aesthetics, the popularity of Vacuum-formed Retainers (VFRs) has been on the rise. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is added to the polymers to make them clear and tough. BPA is identified as an endocrine disruptor linked to developmental defects, infertility, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The release of BPA from various orthodontic materials, including VFRs, has been reported infrequently and with variable results. Aim: To assess the effect of immersing VFRs in distilled water on BPA release in the saliva of patients wearing VFRs. Materials and Methods: This was a single-centre prospective randomised clinical trial. A total of 28 patients aged between 15 and 25 years, who had completed their fixed orthodontic treatment in 2021 at Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University (BVDU), Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India, were selected for this in-vivo study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I patients received VFRs without immersion in water before delivery, while Group II patients received VFRs that were immersed in distilled water at 37˚C for 24 hours before delivery. Four samples of unstimulated whole saliva were collected across four different time intervals: T0 (before VFR delivery), T1 (after one hour of wearing retainers), T2 (after one week of wearing retainers) and T3 (after three weeks of wearing retainers). These samples were tested for BPA release using HPLC analysis. For numerical continuous data following a normal distribution, intergroup comparison was conducted using a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and intragroup comparisons were performed using a paired t-test. An alpha error of 5% and a power of 80% were maintained, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients selected for the study was 20±5 years. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean release of BPA (0.33 ppm) in saliva was highest in patients from Group I at T1, decreasing to 0.177 ppm at T2 and further reducing to 0.013 ppm at T3. In comparison, the mean values of BPA release in the saliva of patients in Group II were significantly lower at all time intervals: T1 (0.07 ppm), T2 (0.009 ppm) and T3 (0.001 ppm). Intergroup comparison using a one-way ANOVA test showed that the difference in BPA release between the two groups was statistically significant (p-value=0.05). Tukey’s posthoc test revealed statistically significant differences in BPA release between T1-T2, T2-T3 and T1-T3. Conclusion: Prior immersion of VFRs in distilled water for 24 hours at 37°C before delivery to patients can be a simple solution to reduce BPA release in saliva.

Influence of orthodontic bracket block-out materials on superimposition errors when substituting scanned dental imaging data onto computed tomography images

Influence of orthodontic bracket block-out materials on superimposition errors when substituting scanned dental imaging data onto computed tomography images

Stability of miniscrews depending on the anatomical and topographic zone of localization during orthodontic treatment

During orthodontic treatment, miniscrews are used as additional hardware to create skeletal support for more efficient movement of teeth on braces and aligners. The most common areas for placing miniscrews are the alveolar ridge of the upper jaw, the retromolar region, the interradicular space, and the subzygomatic ridge. Purpose of the study: to evaluate the influence of the anatomical and topographic localization of steel and titanium miniscrews on their stability in bone tissue during orthodontic treatment using fixed orthodontic appliances Materials and methods. An examination, photo proto-col, and analysis of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were performed in 60 patients who had a history of having a miniscrew placed in the interradicular and retromolar areas, and the subzygomatic ridge. An analysis of the stability of miniscrews was carried out immediately after the operation of installing a miniscrew, performed under local anesthesia, and during the entire period of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Results.The most common primary and secondary rejection of titanium miniscrews was observed in the retromolar re-gion (6.2 and 18.7%, respectively), steel ones — in the subzygomatic ridge (50 and 37.5%, respectively). Con­clusion: The maximum stability of miniscrews when treating patients with a fixed technique using a ske-letal support is observed in the interroot region. It is necessary to carefully plan the site of miniscrew insertion based on CBCT data, taking into account the individual characteristics of the bone tissue structure to reduce the risk of loss of skeletal support

Laser surface textures enhance the friction and wear behaviour of orthodontic brackets

AbstractMinimising the friction force of the archwire‐bracket sliding contact is crucial for achieving a high‐quality orthodontic treatment. Micro‐dimples and micro‐grooves textures were successfully produced on the two slot surfaces of the stainless steel orthodontic brackets with the laser surface texturing technology. The effect of surface texture on reducing the friction and wear behaviour of the stainless steel archwire‐bracket sliding contact combinations in artificial saliva environment was investigated. Friction coefficients of less than 0.15 and mild wear were obtained by using the three rows micro‐grooves textured bracket with a width of 60 μm and a spacing of 150 μm. The friction and wear performance was further enhanced with the addition of orthodontic wax materials. It was strongly argued that the synergetic effects of the fabricated micro‐grooves texture and the added orthodontic wax materials leading to the outstanding friction and wear behaviour of the archwire‐bracket sliding contacts.

Innovative device for in-vivo quantitative assessment of different wire materials using 3D models

Orthodontic archwire materials are changing rapidly in our time. Because an ideal archwire material has not yet been found, assessment of the most effectual properties of different archwires including working range and its effect on root resorption is still an unmet clinical need. Unfortunately, most clinical studies lack standardization of subjects and force. Performing a standardized in-vivo quantitative assessment for the working range of different orthodontic archwires and its effect on root resorption was not previously attempted. This is the first study to quantitatively compare and assess these properties in a standardized split mouth design. In this work, a sample of 10 Wister rats in which one of the two upper incisors was randomly selected to receive a force of 25gram-force using CuNiTi wire while the control side received the same amount of force with NiTi. CBCT was done before and after force application to compare the working range and root resorption. The results showed a significant difference in the working range between groups favoring a larger amount of displacement in the CuNiTi(p < 0.05). Consequently, this novel approach can open new avenues for experimenting with orthodontic wire materials based on standardized measurements of not only mechanical but also biological effects. By this, we can resolve many contradicting results that currently exist in the orthodontic community which are caused by lack of standardization in clinical studies. Accordingly, we were able to obtain a reliable and accurate measurement of the working range of both clinically valuable materials.

Color Stability of Different Aesthetic Arch Wires in Beverages Consumed During the COVID-19 Era: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction One of the prime reasons for patients seeking orthodontic treatment is improvement in their aesthetics or appearance. With a greater number of adult patients now opting for orthodontic treatment, the demand for aesthetic orthodontic materials has increased.With the background of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the popular role of strongly pigmented beverages that play an immunity-boosting role, studies exploring the effect of such beverages on orthodontic appliances may improve the decision-making process of selecting such aesthetic appliances. Materials and methods Four brands of wires and six beverages were included in this study. The wires were Teflon-, epoxy-, or ceramic-coated. Convenience sampling was done, and five samples of each brand were prepared to be tested in each solution. Samples were tested under a spectrophotometerafter immersing them in various solutions fortwo, four, and eight weeks.A comparison of aesthetic degradation due to color changes amongst four brands of archwires was done by applying the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. P values were calculated for all samples to determine whether the color change that occurred in the samples was statistically significant or not. Results Overall results showed that none of the archwires resisted color change after being immersed in staining solutions after two, four, and eight weeks, respectively, which was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion At the end of all time intervals, none of the archwires resisted a color change irrespective of the brand or coating of archwires. This result was found to be statistically significant. With respect to the solutions, all solutions from Chyavanprash, tea, coffee, vitamin C, turmeric milk, and AYUSH kadha displayed a staining effect on all the aesthetic archwires.

Friction in orthodontics

Friction is a fundamental aspect of orthodontic movement. Researchers and clinicians must be acquainted with its biomechanical and physical principles, as well as the potential alterations that may occur with the use of diverse materials. This literature review presents an approach of the physical principles at work in frictional mechanics, an analysis of the friction, at macro and microscopic level, of different orthodontic materials; describes the influence of friction on tooth movement and presents an update on friction research and its relationship to various materials.

Preparation and Assessment of Antimicrobial Effect of Strontium and Copper Co-substituted Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle-Incorporated Orthodontic Composite: A Preliminary In Vitro Study.

Background and aims Enamel demineralization and white spot lesions (WSLs) during orthodontic treatment have always been a challenge to orthodontists. The advancement of nanotechnology has paved the way for the incorporation of bioactive compounds in orthodontic materials especially orthodontic composites for prevention and management of WSLs. The present study aims to prepare, characterize, and then incorporate copper and strontium doped nanohydroxyapatiteinto orthodontic composite material and test its antibacterial efficacy. Materials and methods The present in vitro study involved the preparation of the strontium and copper co-substituted hydroxyapatite (SrCuHA) nanoparticles (Nps) using the sol-gel method. The prepared Nps were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Nps were incorporated into a commercially available orthodontic composite. The antimicrobial properties of the SrCuHA Nps-incorporated composite were tested using the Agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Results The SrCuHA Nps were successfully prepared. EDAX, FTIR, and SEM analyses revealed the successful formation of the Nps. The SrCuHA-incorporated orthodontic composite at a higher concentration of 40 μl showed the maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) against S. mutans. The control group showed the maximum ZOI against E. coli and the SrCuHA Nps-incorporated composite at 20 μl showed the maximum inhibition against S. aureus. Conclusion In the present study, successfulpreparation of SrCuHA Nps followed by incorporation in the orthodontic adhesive was done. The prepared nanoparticle was characterized and the SrCuHA Nps-incorporated orthodontic composite demonstrated comparable ZOI against S. mutansto the control.

A Review on Orthodontic Brackets and Their Application in Clinical Orthodontics.

Braces are undoubtedly a blessing for those whose teeth are misaligned in various ways, yet many people may not enjoy the traditional metal braces. However, some people are totally fine with having their teeth fused with the set of metal brackets and various metal components flowing through. A few people may simply not feel comfortable in that way. Orthodontists have developed a huge array of bracket styles by concentrating on the wide range of preferences and financial constraints that their patients present. These various dental bracket types are all advantageous from one point of view or another. Orthodontic supplies and materials are being produced using technology that is advancing exponentially. Every day, more technologies, processes, and designs emerge. These tools assist the orthodontist in providing patients with the best functional and cosmetic outcomes. Since Edward Hartley Angle's time through MBT brackets and then lingual brackets, orthodontic brackets have advanced significantly. Orthodontists' lives have been greatly facilitated by these brackets. Numerous new materials and designs will be developed as technology progresses. The purpose of this article was to give a general overview of the different orthodontic brackets and demonstrate how the logic underlying them helps orthodontists in their day-to-day jobs.

Evaluating the effect of natural, industrial juices and beverage on orthodontic bonding composite (in-vitro study)

Background: Dental erosion is a common oral condition which results due to consumption of high caloric and low pH acidic food such as carbonated drinks and fruit juices. It is expected that these food types can cause irreversible damage to dental hard tissues and early deterioration of the dental restorations. So, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the erosive potential effects of orange fruit juice and Miranda orange drink on the microhardness of an orthodontic composite material. Materials and methods: Thirty discs with a thickness of 2 mm and a diameter of 10 mm were prepared from orthodontic bonding composite. The prepared discs were equally divided into three groups (n=10). Microhardness analysis was carried out both prior to and subsequent to immersion cycles. The microhardness of the specimens underwent evaluation subsequent to immersion in the beverages for durations of 6 hours (equivalent to one day) and 42 hours (equivalent to seven days). Microhardness measurements at baseline, one day, and one week were performed utilizing the Vickers microhardness testing. Statistical analyses were carried out using repeated measure one way ANOVA test and Bonferroni post-hoc test with a level of significant p&lt; 0.05. Results: The micro hardness of composite exposed to the selected soft drinks was significantly decreased (p&lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Natural, industrial orange juices and Miranda can affect the micro hardness of composite. The beverage effect on the orthodontic composite based on the type of juice and the exposure time to these beverages.

Prognosis and sequelae of meth(acrylate) sensitization in beauticians and consumers of manicure materials.

Allergic contact dermatitis from (meth)acrylic monomers (ACDMA) in manicure products is increasing. To evaluate the prognosis, work performance impairment and sequelae of a cohort of beauticians and manicure consumers with ACDMA sensitized from the exposure to manicure products. We conducted a telephone survey with patients diagnosed with ACDMA. One hundred and six patients were evaluated, including 75 (70.8%) beauticians and 31 (29.2%) consumers. All were women with a mean age of 39 (19-62). Thirty-seven of 75 beauticians (49.3%) continued to work. Twenty-seven of 106 (25.5%) patients continued to use manicure products with (meth)acrylates regularly. Seventeen of 51 (33.3%) patients who discontinued the exposure described ongoing nail/periungual changes. Nine of 58 (15.5%) patients who required dental restoration, orthodontic or occlusal splint materials recalled reactions from them; and, 25 of 96 (26%) who used sanitary napkins recalled intolerance to them starting after the diagnosis of ACDMA. Fifteen of 25 (60%) discontinued the use of sanitary napkins. 49.3% beauticians continued to work; most patients stopped wearing acrylic manicure materials; reactions from dental materials were not uncommon, however, removal of dental materials was never required; and, reactions to sanitary napkins developing after the diagnosis of ACDMA were common most leading to discontinuation of use.

Immediate retrieval of an accidentally ingested tube pre-welded molar band from stomach – A case report

Accidental ingestion or aspiration of dental foreign bodies is a life-threatening medical emergency. Orthodontic materials such as brackets, bands, wire segments, and appliances are the second most common of foreign bodies to be ingested. Immediate retrieval from the stomach before the object passes the duodenal sweep is recommended. This article reports a case of retrieval of accidentally ingested tube pre-welded molar band within 45 min of ingestion, using endoscopy.

Assessment of Enamel Demineralization Following the Use of Different Orthodontic Bracket Materials, Etchants, and Adhesive Systems: An In Vitro Study

The aim of this study was to assess enamel demineralization depth following the use of different bracket materials, etchants, and adhesive systems. Ninety-nine extracted human premolars were assigned to nine groups (eight experimental and one control), each including 11 specimens. The experimental groups were bonded to either metal or ceramic brackets and prepared using a total-or self-etchant with a pre-coated or flash-free adhesive system. All specimens were immersed in an artificial demineralization solution for 7 days at pH 4.5 and 37 °C. The brackets were debonded, and the specimens were sectioned buccolingually at the right and left sides of the bracket base margins. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the demineralization depth using ImageJ software. Significantly deeper enamel demineralization was observed in all bonded teeth compared to non-bonded teeth (p &lt; 0.001). The adhesive system had no significant effect on the demineralization depth. Metal brackets caused significantly deeper enamel demineralization than ceramic brackets (p &lt;0.005). The use of the total-etch surface treatment caused deeper demineralization compared to that of the self-etch treatment. In conclusion, bonded teeth exhibit deeper enamel demineralization than non-bonded teeth. Metal brackets contribute to deeper demineralization than ceramic brackets. The total-etch surface treatment caused deeper demineralization than self-etch when combined with metal brackets and a pre-coated adhesive system.

Multiscale Evaluation of Jaw Geometry Reproduction Obtained Via the Use of Selected Orthodontic Materials in Dental Implants and Orthodontics—In Vitro Case Study

In this paper, the multiscale analysis of the reproduction accuracy of jaw geometry obtained via the use of selected orthodontic materials is discussed. Impressions were made from two types of impression material. An accuracy assessment of the model geometry mapping was performed using noncontact systems, including a fringe projection optical 3D scanner, computed tomography, and a focus variation microscope. Measurements were made in three modes for comparison, as were the silicone and polyether impression materials. These modes were a jaw model and impression, an impression and plaster model, and plaster and jaw models. The research results are presented as colorful maps of deviations. Data analysis showed that deviations were the smallest in the case of silicone and that the best fit occurred between the silicone impression and the plaster model. The conducted research confirmed the validity of the assumptions considering the use of multiscale analysis for geometric analysis. The use of modern multiscale measurement methods allows for shorter and more efficient prosthetic operations. At present, these devices are expensive and complicated to use, but developments in technology should simplify the process, and prosthetic professionals should be aware of the possibilities described in the paper.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Various Nanoparticles on Addition to Orthodontic Materials- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the evidence for the efficiency of nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated into orthodontic materials (brackets, bonding agents, wires, acrylic resin, and elastics) in order to enhance their antimicrobial properties. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was conducted in electronic databases like PubMed, Cochrane, and Google scholar, books, grey literature like unpublished literature, dissertations, conference reports, etc. Finally, out of all the literature reviewed, a total of 30 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis. For the quantitative analysis, a total of 6 articles were used. Results: Antimicrobial agents such as silver nanoparticles, Titanium dioxide, Silver platinum alloy, zinc oxide and copper oxide, quaternary ammonium dimethacrylate (QADM), Hydroxyapatite crystals, and silver, quaternary ammonium polyethyleneimine (QPEI) particles, silica, and titanium have been incorporated in various orthodontic materials. The incorporation of these nanoparticles into orthodontic materials led to a significant increase in the antibacterial capacity when compared to controls used in the various studies. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the incorporation of nanoparticles into orthodontic materials improves their antibacterial properties. Due to the heterogeneity observed across the studies reviewed, further research with standardized study protocols in terms of the size, concentration, and techniques of incorporation of different NPs into various orthodontic materials is pertinent.

Bioactivation of an orthodontic wire using multifunctional nanomaterials to prevent plaque accumulation.

Controlling the growth of biofilm on orthodontic material has become a difficult challenge in modern dentistry. The antibacterial efficacy of currently used orthodontic material becomes limited due to the higher affinity of oral microbial flora for plaque formation on the material surface. Thus it is crutial to device an efficient strategy to prevent plaque buildup caused by pathogenic microbiota. In this work, we have fabricated a bioactive orthodontic wire using titanium nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were synthesized from the extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Solanum surattense, and Syzygium aromaticum, while the TiO2NPs were synthesized by the Sol-Gel method. The nanoparticles were characterized by various biophysical techniques. The surface of the dental wire was molded by functionalizing these AgNPs followed by an additional coating of TiO2NPs. Functionalized dental wires were found to counteract the formation of tenacious intraoral biofilm, and showed an enhanced anti-bacterial effect against Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacteria isolated from patients with various dental ailments. Data revealed that such surface coating counteracts the bacterial pathogens by inducing the leakage of Ag ions which eventually disrupts the cell membrane as confirmed from TEM micrographs. The results offer a significant opportunity for innovations in developing nanoparticle-based formulations to modify or fabricate an effective orthodontic material.

Coffee Staining and Simulated Brushing Induced Color Changes and Surface Roughness of 3D-Printed Orthodontic Retainer Material.

This in vitro study evaluated the influence of combined coffee staining and simulated brushing-induced color changes and surface roughness on 3D-printed orthodontic retainers. Specimens measuring 10 × 10 × 0.75 mm3 were obtained either by conventional vacuum forming or 3D printing at four print angulations (0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°) (n = 10). The prepared specimens were immersed in a coffee beverage and then mechanically brushed using a simulating device. The specimen's color difference (ΔE) and surface roughness (Ra) were quantified using a spectrophotometer and a non-contact profilometer, respectively. The highest and lowest mean ΔE values were recorded for the 3D-printed-45° (4.68 ± 2.07) and conventional (2.18 ± 0.87) groups, respectively. The overall mean comparison of ΔE between the conventional and 3D-printed groups was statistically significant (p < 0.01). After simulated brushing, all groups showed a statistically significant increase in the Ra values (p < 0.01). The highest Ra was in the 3D-printed-45° (1.009 ± 0.13 µm) and conventional (0.743 ± 0.12 µm) groups, respectively. The overall ΔE of 3D-printed orthodontic retainers was not comparable to conventional VFRs. Among the different angulations used to print the retainers, 15° angulations were the most efficient in terms of color changes and surface roughness and were comparable to conventional VFRs.