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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 2684

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yong-Il Kim

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Guest Editor

Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
Interests: digital orthodontics; biomechanics; FEM; dental material; orthodontics; growth modification

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the field of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics has witnessed substantial growth, with significant technological innovations and scientific discoveries transforming clinical practice. Digital technologies, advanced biomaterials, and interdisciplinary approaches have revolutionized diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic outcomes in managing various dentofacial anomalies. Staying at the forefront of these developments is crucial for both researchers and clinicians to optimize patient care and contribute to the advancement of this field.

We would like to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue on "Advances in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics”, which aims to compile cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that highlight recent innovations and future directions in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Digital technologies in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning;
Clear aligner systems and their biomechanical considerations;
Temporary anchorage devices and skeletal anchorage systems;
3D imaging and analysis in orthodontics;
Artificial intelligence applications in orthodontic practice;
Growth modification techniques and dentofacial orthopedics;
Accelerated tooth movement methodologies;
The management of complex dentofacial deformities;
Interdisciplinary approaches in orthodontic treatment;
Biomarkers and personalized orthodontic treatments.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Yong-Il Kim
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

digital orthodontics
clear aligner therapy
TAD
AI
biomechanics
personalized orthodontics
interdisciplinary treatment

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 13161 KB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Clear Aligner Attachment Reproduction Using a Standardized In-House Protocol: An In Vitro Study

by U-Hyeong Cho and Hyo-Sang Park

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10782; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910782 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 340

Abstract

This in vitro study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of reproducing attachments for clear aligner therapy (CAT) using a standardized in-house fabrication protocol and to analyze discrepancies across maxillary tooth types. A custom attachment was designed on a symmetrical master model, and 30 experimental models were fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing, template construction, and bonding. Following scanning and superimposition, dimensional, angular, and positional deviations were quantified and statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). Results showed minor mean discrepancies but a consistent pattern of under-reproduction, most evident in the mesial and distal wall angles, as well as in the gingival bevel angle and attachment height. A significant trend was observed in the occlusal bevel, demonstrating marked extrusion in the anterior region that decreased posteriorly. Positional errors were minimal mesiodistally but substantial in the lingual and occlusal directions, with magnitudes varying by tooth type. In conclusion, this study identified consistent, predictable inaccuracies in a simulated in-house attachment reproduction protocol. These findings indicate that similar deviations may occur clinically, potentially affecting the predictability of CAT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics)

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13 pages, 8429 KB

Open AccessArticle

Advances in the Treatment of Midface Fractures: Innovative CAD/CAM Drill Guides and Implants for the Simultaneous Primary Treatment of Zygomatic-Maxillary-Orbital-Complex Fractures

by Marcel Ebeling, Sebastian Pietzka, Andreas Sakkas, Stefan Kist, Mario Scheurer, Alexander Schramm and Frank Wilde

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 10194; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151810194 - 18 Sep 2025

Viewed by 371

Abstract

Background: Midfacial trauma involving the zygomatic-maxillary-orbital (ZMO) complex poses significant reconstructive challenges due to anatomical complexity and the necessity for high-precision alignment. Traditional manual reduction techniques often result in inconsistent outcomes, necessitating revisions. Methods: This feasibility study presents two clinical cases treated using a novel, fully digital workflow incorporating computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of patient-specific osteosynthesis plates and surgical drill guides. Following virtual fracture reduction and implant design, drill guides and implants were fabricated using selective laser melting. Surgical procedures included intraoral and transconjunctival approaches with intraoperative 3D imaging (mobile C-arm CT) to verify implant positioning. Postoperative results were compared to the virtual plan through image fusion. Results: Both cases demonstrated precise fit and anatomical restoration. The “one-position-fits-only” orbital implant design enabled highly accurate orbital wall reconstruction. Key procedural refinements between cases included enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration and improved guide designs, resulting in decreased planning-to-surgery intervals (<7 days) and seamless intraoperative application. Image fusion confirmed near-identical congruence between planned and achieved outcomes. Conclusions: The presented method demonstrates that fully digital, CAD/CAM-based midface reconstruction is feasible in the primary trauma setting. The technique offers reproducible precision, reduced intraoperative time, and improved functional and aesthetic outcomes. It may represent a paradigm shift in trauma care, particularly for complex ZMO fractures. Broader clinical adoption appears viable as production speed and workflow integration continue to improve. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics)

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16 pages, 3418 KB

Open AccessArticle

Forces and Moments Generated by Direct Printed Aligners During Bodily Movement of a Maxillary Central Incisor

by Michael Lee, Gabriel Miranda, Julie McCray, Mitchell Levine and Ki Beom Kim

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8554; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158554 - 1 Aug 2025

Viewed by 935

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the forces and moments exerted by thermoformed aligners (TFMs) and direct printed aligners (DPAs) on the maxillary left central incisor (21) and adjacent teeth (11, 22) during lingual bodily movement of tooth 21. Methods: An in vitro setup was used to quantify forces and moments on three incisors, which were segmented and fixed onto multi-axis force/moment transducers. TFM were fabricated using 0.76 mm-thick single-layer PET-G foils (ATMOS; American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA) and multi-layer TPU foils (Zendura FLX; Bay Materials LLC, Fremont, CA, USA). DPAs were fabricated using TC-85 photopolymer resin (Graphy Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea). Tooth 21 was planned for bodily displacement by 0.25 mm and 0.50 mm, and six force and moment components were measured on it and the adjacent teeth. Results: TC-85 generated lower forces and moments with fewer unintended forces and moments on the three teeth. TC-85 exerted 0.99 N and 1.53 N of mean lingual force on tooth 21 for 0.25 mm and 0.50 mm activations, respectively; ATMOS produced 3.82 N and 7.70 N, and Zendura FLX produced 3.00 N and 8.23 N of mean lingual force for the same activations, respectively. Bodily movement could not be achieved. Conclusions: The force systems generated by clear aligners are complex and unpredictable. DPA using TC-85 produced lower, more physiological force levels with fewer side effects, which may increase the predictability of tooth movement and enhance treatment outcome. The force levels generated by TFM were considered excessive and not physiologically compatible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics)

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12 pages, 3107 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative In Vitro Analysis of Attachment and Enhanced Structural Features for Molar Distalization in Clear Aligner Therapy

by Youn-Kyung Choi, Min-Jeong Jee, Sung-Hun Kim, Seong-Sik Kim, Soo-Byung Park and Yong-Il Kim

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6655; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126655 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 758

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of different clear aligner (CA) designs on forces and moments during maxillary second molar distalization. Four designs were tested: attachment only (group 1), neither attachment nor enhanced structure (group 2), a combination of attachment and enhanced structure (group 3), and enhanced structure only (group 4). CAs were fabricated from thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate glycol with 30 CAs per group. Forces and moments were measured using a multi-axis transducer as the molars were distally displaced by 0.25 mm. All groups experienced buccodistal and intrusive forces. Group 3 showed the highest distalizing force (Fy = 2.51 ± 0.37 N) and intrusive force (Fz = −2.04 ± 0.48 N) and also the largest rotational moment (Mz = 3.89 ± 0.71 Nmm). Groups 3 and 4 (with enhanced structures) demonstrated significant intrusive forces (p < 0.05). Most groups exhibited mesiodistal angulation, lingual inclination, and distal rotational moments. Group 2 had the lowest moment-to-force ratio (Mx/Fy = 3.27 ± 0.44 mm), indicating inefficient bodily movement. Group 3 demonstrated significantly greater moments across all axes compared to other groups. The results indicate that designs incorporating enhanced structures with attachments increase CA stiffness and applied forces/moments, enhancing distalization efficiency while minimizing vertical side effects. This suggests that, clinically, reinforced CAs can serve as a simple yet effective modification to existing protocols in Class II orthodontic cases, enabling more efficient molar distalization without requiring complete appliance redesign or additional fabrication and allowing easy adaptation to individual treatment needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics)

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