DEVELOPMENT OF ON-SITE 3D-PRINTED AND BIO-SUSTAINABLE ORTHODONTIC ALIGNERS.

Orthodontics is the specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of dento-skeletal malocclusions. Traditional orthodontic diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, instrumental tests such as first- and second-level radiographs, plaster or digital models, photographs, and functional tests. In addition to clinical instruments and orthodontic treatment planning software, another significant innovation emerged in the 1990s with the development and widespread use of transparent orthodontic aligners. These are thin, sequential, removable plastic trays personalized for each patient, serving as an alternative to traditional fixed orthodontics characterized by brackets and wires made of metal or ceramic. These aligners, commonly referred to as aligners, are typically produced through thermoforming techniques and are manufactured sequentially. Each aligner generates small dento-skeletal movements based on biomechanical and biological principles, applying light forces that follow the principle of bone resorption and apposition. For each clinical case, the necessary number of aligners is produced to address the malocclusion. Each aligner is worn for the prescribed period (7–15 days) and then replaced by the next one in the sequence. However, this raises the issue of disposing of used aligners, which amount to tens of millions of trays annually. The project adopts a green perspective to reduce environmental impact by experimenting with biodegradable and biocompatible materials. These materials aim to optimize clinical results, streamline processes, and reduce waste production. The study focuses on analyzing a biodegradable and biocompatible material with high resistance, as it needs to remain in the oral cavity for about ten days. By digitally printing the aligners, it is anticipated that treatment times and waste generation will be significantly reduced, while improving inter-clinical reliability of values. This development will impact the field by promoting more economical, faster, and environmentally conscious orthodontics, enhancing the patient experience with its green ethos.