Shape Memory Aligners

Aligners printed directly have a polymer with shape memory used in their manufacturing, which is very interesting. After two to three days of aligner use, it becomes deformed, and with the change in shape, the aligner loses orthodontic force. That's why usually two to three aligners are needed to complete one stage of the treatment. However, due to their shape memory function, aligners printed directly with shape memory, such as those made with Graphy Tera Harz TC-85 resin, do not need to be replaced and thus accelerate the treatment process. If the aligner is placed in water at 37ºC for less than 1 minute, it will regain its original shape. Tap water can be used, and no additional equipment is needed for this step.

The advantage of this shape memory is that the patient can maintain the shape – and therefore the forces – of the aligner at home. Patients remove the aligner 10 to 20 times a day to eat. Therefore, consider the plastic deformation every time they remove the aligner. But with this disruptive technology and a bit of warm water, the shape can be restored. It's possible, for example, to make an analogy with a deformed Coca-Cola plastic bottle. Once deformed, it won't return to its original shape. But with this material, through this disruptive technology, the patient just needs to put the aligner in warm water at the end of the day if they notice it's not tight enough. The aligner will return to its original shape so they can maintain a better fit every day.

Dr. Lucila Cherem

CEO SmartPrintOrtho Technology

CEO ClearPrecision Aligners