• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.130-141
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• 2017

The aim of this case report was to describe an innovative orthodontic treatment method that combined surgical and orthodontic techniques. The novel method was used to achieve a positive result in a case of moderate crowding by employing a computer-guided piezocision procedure followed by the use of clear aligners. A 23-year-old woman had a malocclusion with moderate crowding. Her periodontal indices, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and treatment time were evaluated. The treatment included interproximal corticotomy cuts extending through the entire thickness of the cortical layer, without a full-thickness flap reflection. This was achieved with a three-dimensionally printed surgical guide using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Orthodontic force was applied to the teeth immediately after surgery by using clear appliances for better control of tooth movement. The total treatment time was 8 months. The periodontal indices improved after crowding correction, but the oral health impact profile showed a slight deterioration of OHRQoL during the 3 days following surgery. At the 2-year retention follow-up, the stability of treatment was excellent. The reduction in surgical time and patient discomfort, increased periodontal safety and patient acceptability, and accurate control of orthodontic movement without the risk of losing anchorage may encourage the use of this combined technique in appropriate cases.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.420-430
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this finite element method (FEM) study was to analyze the biomechanical differences and tooth displacement patterns according to the traction direction, methods, and sites for total distalization of the mandibular dentition using clear aligner treatment (CAT). Methods: A finite element analysis was performed on four FEM models using different traction methods (via a precision cut hook or button) and traction sites (mandibular canine or first premolar). A distalization force of 1.5 N was applied to the traction site by changing the direction from -30 to +30° to the occlusal plane. The initial tooth displacement and von Mises stress on the clear aligners were analyzed. Results: All CAT-based total distalization groups showed an overall trend of clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane as the force direction varied. Mesiodistal tipping of individual teeth was more prominent than that of bodily movements. The initial displacement pattern of the mandibular teeth was more predominant based on the traction site than on the traction method. The elastic deformation of clear aligners is attributed to unintentional lingual tipping or extrusion of the mandibular anterior teeth. Conclusions: The initial tooth displacement can vary according to different distalization strategies for CAT-based total distalization. Discreet application and biomechanical understanding of traction sites and directions are necessary for appropriate mandibular total distalization.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.36-45
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• 2023

The aesthetic appearance of the incisors is essential for a natural and healthy smile, and it is also an important factor for confidence in interpersonal relationships. If there is crowding or protrusion of the anterior teeth, root canal treatment and excessive tooth removal are often required to resolve it in a short period of time. However, it is difficult to achieve sustainable aesthetic results. In this case, orthodontic treatment will be necessary to preserve the remaining tooth structure as much as possible. Middle-aged and elderly patients are often aware of the need for orthodontic treatment, but they are hesitant to use the traditional orthodontic treatment method using brackets because of the social gaze. In this case, clear aligners can be a good option. So, in this article, a case in which aesthetic needs were resolved with clear aligners alone and another case in which satisfactory results were obtained through restorative treatment following clear aligners application are reported.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.293-300
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• 2021

In this report, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the Invisalign^® system in the treatment of severe gingival recession and bone dehiscence through torque, translation, and intrusion movements in a young woman. Cone-beam computed tomography was used to assess bone parameters and check the teeth during treatment. The root of the mandibular right central incisor, which was buccally positioned and exhibited bone dehiscence of 9.4 mm, was moved toward the center of the alveolar process by using the Invisalign^® system and SmartForce^® features. The patient was monitored by a periodontist throughout the orthodontic treatment period. Her gingival recession reduced, while the bone dehiscence reduced from 9.40 mm to 3.14 mm. Thus, movement of the root into the alveolus promoted bone neoformation and treated the gingival recession. The findings from this case suggest that orthodontic treatment using the Invisalign^® system, along with periodontal monitoring, can aid in the treatment of gingival recession and alveolar defects.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.135-141
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• 2021

Objective: To assess the effects of thermoforming on aligner thickness and gap width in six aligner systems with the same nominal thickness. Methods: Six passive upper aligners of different brands were adapted to a single printed cast. Each sample was evaluated with high-resolution micro-computed tomography. To investigate aligner thickness and gap width, two-dimensional (2D) analysis was conducted assessing the effects of the following variables: tooth type (central incisor, canine, and first molar), 2D reference points, and aligner type. Data were analyzed and compared using analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: Tooth type, dental region, and aligner type affected both the gap width and aligner thickness. The aligner thickness remained moderately stable across the arch only in the F22. Conclusions: All thermoformed samples displayed smaller aligner thickness and gap width at anterior teeth and both gingival and coronal centers than at posterior teeth and occlusal surfaces.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.90-100
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of achievement of anterior tooth movement using a thermoplastic clear aligner by superimposing pretreatment, setup, and post-treatment models and to analyze the factors that influence it. Materials and Methods: Forty patients who underwent clear aligner treatment at the Department of Orthodontics were included in the study. The pretreatment, setup, and post-treatment models were superimposed, and the achievement rates were evaluated. We analyzed the factors that caused changes in achievement rate on each condition. Result: The average achievement rate of total tooth movement was 57.65%. Mesiodistal and anteroposterior displacements were achieved better than vertical displacement and rotation. In each displacement, posterior, mesial, and extrusive movements were better achieved than the rotation. Spacing was better corrected than crowding, especially in the mesiodistal direction. Most of the tooth movements were achieved better when using 3-step thicknesses of aligners were used. Conclusion: The treatment results of clear aligners may differ depending on the type of tooth movement, age and other treatment conditions. Clinicians should consider unfavorable conditions based on the results of this study.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.115-127
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• 2023

The demand for orthodontic clear aligner therapy (CAT) has increased significantly over the last decade, offering advantages over the fixed appliances (FA) including enhanced aesthetics, better hygiene and comfort, along with minimal restrictions on the patient's diet. Moreover, a marked improvement in the efficacy of tooth movement using aligners has been documented. On the contrary, there have been known limitations of CAT including the compliances issues and the apparent lack of efficacy for certain types of tooth movement such as closure of extraction space compared to FA. Thus, evidence-based evaluation of the accuracy of prediction of tooth movement with clear aligners and their ability to effectively perform major tooth and root movements compared to FA are crucial. Although several systematic reviews have investigated various aspects of the effectiveness of CAT, we are yet to obtain a rather conclusive answer to this question. The current review attempted to summarize the evidence-based findings of most systematic reviews about CAT available to date. Major issues regarding the predictability of tooth movement, the role of attachments and auxiliaries in improving the effectiveness of CAT, and the treatment outcomes in comparison to FA were investigated. Clinical recommendation have been also elaborated based on the interpretation of the findings of all systematic reviews included in this study.

• 제어로봇시스템학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1993.10a
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• pp.981-986
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• 1993

A fast algorithm based upon geometry to measure the wafer center and the position of a wafer fiducial mark is developed and implemented on a single-axis aligner. Design issues for a controller when a National Semiconductor's LM629 is used as a PID controller of an aligner are discussed. Performance of an aligner with the algorithm and a LM629 was measured in experiments. The result shows that it takes about 4.1 seconds on average to align a hot wafer supported by metal pins on the chuck.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.316-325
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of this systematic multiscale analysis was to evaluate the effects of thermoforming on the physical and mechanical properties of thermoplastic materials used to fabricate transparent orthodontic aligners (TOAs). Methods: Specimens were fabricated using four types of thermoplastic materials with different thicknesses under a thermal vacuum. Transparency, water absorption and solubility, surface hardness, and the results of three-point bending and tensile tests were evaluated before and after thermoforming. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test. Results: After thermoforming, the transparency of Duran and Essix A+ decreased, while the water absorption ability of all materials; the water solubility of Duran, Essix A+, and Essix ACE; and the surface hardness of Duran and Essix A+ increased. The flexure modulus for the 0.5-mm-thick Duran, Essix A+, and eCligner specimens increased, whereas that for the 0.75-/1.0-mm-thick Duran and eClginer specimens decreased. In addition, the elastic modulus increased for the 0.5-mm-thick Essix A+ specimens and decreased for the 0.75-mm-thick Duran and Essix ACE and the 1.0-mm-thick Essix ACE specimens. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the physical and mechanical properties of thermoplastic materials used for the fabrication of TOAs should be evaluated after thermoforming in order to characterize their properties for clinical application.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.329-336
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• 2021

Objective: To compare the magnitude of external apical root resorption (EARR) 6 months after starting orthodontic treatment using orthodontic aligners (OAs) and fixed appliances (FAs). Methods: This parallel randomized clinical trial included 40 patients randomized into two groups: OA group (n = 20, 160 incisors) and FA group (n = 20, 160 incisors). For evaluation of the tooth length, periapical radiographs and standardized linear measurements of the maxillary and mandibular incisors were acquired before (T0) and 6 months after treatment initiation (T1). EARR was calculated through the difference in length between the two time points (T1-T0). Statistical comparisons were performed by means of using t-tests, chi-squared test and covariance analysis (a = 5%). Results: Rounding of the root apex was observed in both groups; the resorption involved 2.88% of the root length, so 97.12% of the tooth length remained intact. Intragroup comparisons between the two time points revealed a significant difference, with (T1-T0) ranging from -0.52 to -0.88 mm in the FA group and from -0.52 to -0.85 mm in the OA group. In the intergroup comparisons, only tooth #21 presented a statistically significant difference (OA: -0.52 ± 0.57 mm, FA: -0.86 ± 0.60 mm); however, the overall differences between groups were not clinically relevant, ranging from 0.03 to 0.35 mm. Conclusions: OA and FA treatment resulted in a similar degree of EARR in the maxillary and mandibular incisors at 6 months after treatment initiation. However, the amount of resorption was small and does not impair tooth longevity.