In-house three-dimensional designing and printing customized brackets

Abstract

Digital technology is one of the major advancements during the past years that changed many aspects of our daily life. Medicine and dentistry were positively affected from the very first years of this digital evolution. Orthodontics is not an exception to this global digitization. Intraoral scanners, computer-aided design software, three-dimensional printers, and new materials were invented and introduced in dentistry and orthodontics during the last 20 years. The ability to include a small digital laboratory in the orthodontic office helped the creation of the in-house manufacturing concept. Continuously, the ability to design appliances that fit exactly to the teeth of the patient allowed the digital customization of almost every orthodontic appliance. Lately, the development of computer-aided design software called Ubrackets enabled the orthodontist to design and print customized orthodontic brackets in the orthodontic office. The designing workflow follows a specific protocol, which makes designing fast and easy. Three-dimensional printing of brackets can be performed using hybrid ceramic resin or zirconia slurry. Although some controversial studies exist, customized brackets have not been extensively studied despite that. A new term, “biological customization” is proposed, which takes into consideration the different biology of each patient, as opposed to teeth roots, bone turnover, and characteristics. Complete treatment customization should necessarily include mechanical and biological customization.