Impact of various cleaning protocols on the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed orthodontic aligners
Abstract The surface similarity phenomenon describes how users apply maintenance habits from one material to another based on perceived similarities. Cleaning protocols for thermoformed aligners are often used for three-dimensional (3D) printed aligners, despite their different material properties....
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Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04096-z |
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| author | Luka Šimunović Paula Pečanić Antun Jakob Marić Tatjana Haramina Iva Šrut Rakić Senka Meštrović |
| author_facet | Luka Šimunović Paula Pečanić Antun Jakob Marić Tatjana Haramina Iva Šrut Rakić Senka Meštrović |
| author_sort | Luka Šimunović |
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| description | Abstract The surface similarity phenomenon describes how users apply maintenance habits from one material to another based on perceived similarities. Cleaning protocols for thermoformed aligners are often used for three-dimensional (3D) printed aligners, despite their different material properties. This study aimed to evaluate how such practices impact the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed aligners. A total of 84 polyurethane-based specimens were fabricated using direct light processing. They were divided into three groups: brushing only, brushing with toothpaste, and immersion in an alkaline solution (Corega). Each protocol simulated two weeks of daily cleaning. Surface roughness was assessed via profilometry and AFM, hardness via the Ball Indentation Method, and color change via VITA Easyshade before and after cleaning. Water absorption was measured daily over 14 days during immersion in either Corega or saline. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA with LSD post-hoc tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests with post-hoc Dunn test. Brushing with toothpaste caused the greatest increase in surface roughness (ΔSa = 37.45 nm), followed by brushing alone (ΔSa = 10.55 nm); Corega slightly reduced roughness (ΔSa = -4.86 nm). Surface hardness increased after brushing but decreased with Corega (p < 0.05). No significant ΔE color differences were found, though “b” values decreased with brushing (p = 0.012). Water absorption stabilized at 8.47% in saline, while Corega immersion led to peak absorption on day 8 before degradation (p < 0.001). Cleaning methods designed for thermoformed aligners can alter surface properties and degrade 3D-printed aligners. Tailored cleaning protocols are essential to preserve their integrity and functionality. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7c7bb3efe6d5481d874ba60704ed9c96 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-7c7bb3efe6d5481d874ba60704ed9c962025-08-20T02:00:08ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111310.1038/s41598-025-04096-zImpact of various cleaning protocols on the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed orthodontic alignersLuka Šimunović0Paula Pečanić1Antun Jakob Marić2Tatjana Haramina3Iva Šrut Rakić4Senka Meštrović5Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of ZagrebDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of ZagrebFaculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of ZagrebDepartment of Materials, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of ZagrebInstitute of Physics, Centre for Advanced Laser TechniquesDepartment of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of ZagrebAbstract The surface similarity phenomenon describes how users apply maintenance habits from one material to another based on perceived similarities. Cleaning protocols for thermoformed aligners are often used for three-dimensional (3D) printed aligners, despite their different material properties. This study aimed to evaluate how such practices impact the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed aligners. A total of 84 polyurethane-based specimens were fabricated using direct light processing. They were divided into three groups: brushing only, brushing with toothpaste, and immersion in an alkaline solution (Corega). Each protocol simulated two weeks of daily cleaning. Surface roughness was assessed via profilometry and AFM, hardness via the Ball Indentation Method, and color change via VITA Easyshade before and after cleaning. Water absorption was measured daily over 14 days during immersion in either Corega or saline. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA with LSD post-hoc tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests with post-hoc Dunn test. Brushing with toothpaste caused the greatest increase in surface roughness (ΔSa = 37.45 nm), followed by brushing alone (ΔSa = 10.55 nm); Corega slightly reduced roughness (ΔSa = -4.86 nm). Surface hardness increased after brushing but decreased with Corega (p < 0.05). No significant ΔE color differences were found, though “b” values decreased with brushing (p = 0.012). Water absorption stabilized at 8.47% in saline, while Corega immersion led to peak absorption on day 8 before degradation (p < 0.001). Cleaning methods designed for thermoformed aligners can alter surface properties and degrade 3D-printed aligners. Tailored cleaning protocols are essential to preserve their integrity and functionality.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04096-zClear aligner applianceCleaning methods3D printing |
| spellingShingle | Luka Šimunović Paula Pečanić Antun Jakob Marić Tatjana Haramina Iva Šrut Rakić Senka Meštrović Impact of various cleaning protocols on the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed orthodontic aligners Scientific Reports Clear aligner appliance Cleaning methods 3D printing |
| title | Impact of various cleaning protocols on the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed orthodontic aligners |
| title_full | Impact of various cleaning protocols on the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed orthodontic aligners |
| title_fullStr | Impact of various cleaning protocols on the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed orthodontic aligners |
| title_full_unstemmed | Impact of various cleaning protocols on the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed orthodontic aligners |
| title_short | Impact of various cleaning protocols on the physical and aesthetic properties of 3D-printed orthodontic aligners |
| title_sort | impact of various cleaning protocols on the physical and aesthetic properties of 3d printed orthodontic aligners |
| topic | Clear aligner appliance Cleaning methods 3D printing |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04096-z |
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