
Background: The integration of the current technology of CBCT and 3D CAD/CAM technology has great potential in the field of orthodontics, which is not yet fully investigated. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the accuracy of 3D printed retainers in comparison to vacuum formed retainers. Methods: Alginate impressions were taken for ten patients who have a CBCT scan. A 3D printed retainer and vacuum formed retainer were fabricated. Linear measure-ments were measured by two assessors using digital caliper. Every measure-ment on the 3D printed retainer was compared to the corresponding measure-ment on the thermoformed retainer. The linear measurements were Inter-canine width, Inter-premolar width (first and second premolars), Inter-molar width, Canine-midline length (both sides) and Canine-molar length (both sides). Intra-observer, and inter-observer reliability measurements were done. Results: Results showed excellent intra-observer reliability for the thermoformed retainer and the 3D printed retainer. Inter-observer measurements showed strong agreement between the measurements of the two assessors, for both retainers. The comparison of the thermoformed retainer to the 3D printed retainer showed high statistical agreement, except for the canine-molar on the right side, but with no clinical significance, p value of 0.038 and mean difference 0.19. Conclusions: The new method for fabricating a 3D printed retainer is accurate and reliable in comparison to the vacuum formed retainer (conventional method). CBCT proved to be efficient for fabrication of a custom made appliances.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 21 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
