Evaluation Of Fit For 3d Printed Retainers As Compared To Thermoform Retainers, David J. Cole

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

EVALUATION OF FIT FOR 3D PRINTED RETAINERS AS COMPARED TO THERMOFORM RETAINERS

By David Cole, D.M.D.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University

Thesis Directors: Eser Tüfekçi, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., M.S.H.A.

Professor, Department of Orthodontics

Sompop Bencharit, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Director of Digital Dentistry, Department of General Practice

Introduction: Despite recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing, little information is available on 3D printed retainers

Methods: Three reference models were used to fabricate traditional vacuum formed, commercially-available vacuum formed, and 3D printed …