Microbial Colonization in Three Dimensional (3D) Printed Orthodontic Clear Aligners

Microbial Colonization in 3D Printed Orthodontic Clear Aligners

This study is being done to compare conventional clear aligners with 3D printed clear aligners to assess if there is any significant difference between the microbial colonization of these appliances. The 3D printed aligner material and conventional aligner materials are being used for investigational purposes and have been approved for their use in fabricating clear aligners for orthodontic tooth movement, but not for the purposes of our study, which is for the fabrication of clear passive aligners to assess microbial colonization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants are in the permanent dentition
• Participants can understand written English instructions
• Participants have no history of smoking
• Participants will not undergo any active orthodontic treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Periodontal disease/gingivitis or craniofacial anomalies.
• Severe tooth crowding