A team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam Science Park has developed a highly functional material with the University Hospital Düsseldorf that enables completely new treatment concepts with aligners for the treatment of malocclusions and reduces costs. The scientists used polymers with shape-memory properties. The innovative material combines effective tooth movement with more efficient use of resources.
Aligners made from shape memory polymers make it possible to control the force exerted on the teeth and thus make the treatment more patient-friendly. They allow several steps of tooth correction to be carried out at the same time. The advantages of this are that the number of orthodontic aligners can be reduced during the course of treatment, excessive material waste can be avoided and treatment costs can be lowered. Shape memory polymers are intelligent materials. These plastics can be used to produce objects that change their shape in a predetermined manner. The shape memory effect causes the splint to slowly change its shape. This allows misaligned teeth to be moved into the desired position.
