Additive manufacturing (AM) has been created 20 years ago. This kind of technology can manufacture parts without using tools, such as such as mold, die and lathe tools. It’ s been improving its standards day by day. Came up with many advancements. The basic principle of AM technic is to build parts layer by layer. 3D printing is one technology of AM technic. It is the most common AM technic people can see in the daily life. This kind of direct metrical fabrication technology has been used in many aspects, such as aerospace, automotive, customer products, and medical applications. The purpose of this paper is to design a modal with required dimensions of tooth retainer and build it in the 3D printer and applying biocompatibility tests to compare the results. In recent years, orthodontic treatment becomes more and more popular. However, the normal orthodontic treatment is extremely expensive; and the process is complicated. 3D printing is a simple way to manufacture a tool of orthodontic treatment which can simplified the process of orthodontic treatment. This tool, named tooth retainer, also can reduce the cost of the treatment. The method that we used is to build up a model using NX 10 and then manufacture the model through the 3D printer, Objet30. The first step is to build up a model using NX10 and transfer it to STL file. The next step is to upload this STL file to Objet30’s software and print it directly. After printing it out, the Objet30 machine should be clean. The last step is to remove the support material from the tooth retainer and clear it.
Major issues I find is when 3D printer prints this tooth retainer.
- it needs a lot of support material.
- The shape of the tooth retainer should be modified because it is not an ergonomic tool.
- 3D printing can reduce a lot of time in producing tooth retainer.
- Material is not the suitable material for tooth retainers.
Key words: tooth retainers, aligners, 3D printer, maker bolt, tooth problems, medical applications, object30, additive manufacturing, and analysis.