Advances in Polymer-Based Orthodontic Materials for Enhanced Treatment Efficiency

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 1016 1024
    By

    Yusuf Ahammed. A. Ronad,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

Polymers, particularly shape-memory polymers, fiber-reinforced composites, and elastomeric materials, provide enhanced mechanical properties such as flexibility, durability, and controlled force application, leading to improved treatment outcomes. These materials offer superior biocompatibility, reducing irritation and discomfort for patients while ensuring efficient and predictable tooth movement. It is important to note one of the key advancements in orthodontics is the use of shape-memory polymers, which can respond to temperature or external stimuli, allowing for gradual and controlled force application. Fiber-reinforced composites enhance the mechanical strength of orthodontic components, making them lightweight yet highly durable alternatives to traditional metal braces. Additionally, elastomeric materials are widely used in ligatures and aligners due to their ability to retain elasticity and provide consistent force over extended periods. This paper explores the role of polymer chemistry in orthodontic applications, focusing on the development and integration of polymer composites in wires, brackets, and tension-measuring devices. The incorporation of nanotechnology and 3D printing has further expanded the potential of polymer-based orthodontic materials, allowing for personalized treatment approaches and more efficient manufacturing processes. Future research should continue to refine these materials, with a focus on smart, biodegradable, and antimicrobial polymers, to enhance treatment efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve overall patient experience in orthodontic care.

Keywords: Polymer composites, Smart polymers, dental aligners, orthodontic brackets, material science, nanocomposites, 3D printing

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Yusuf Ahammed. A. Ronad. Advances in Polymer-Based Orthodontic Materials for Enhanced Treatment Efficiency. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):1016-1024.
How to cite this URL:
Yusuf Ahammed. A. Ronad. Advances in Polymer-Based Orthodontic Materials for Enhanced Treatment Efficiency. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):1016-1024. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=214459


References

  1. Alkurdi I, Haleem R. Metal Ions Leachables And Microstructure Of Fake Orthodontic Braces: An In Vitro Study (Doctoral dissertation).
  2. Almoabady EH, Alwatban HA, Alshageige MN, Alamri AS, Almulhim IA, Tarabzouni KW, Abulola DH, Alaskari AT. Innovative Biomechanical and Material Approaches to Dental Movement.
  3. Dayyoub T, Maksimkin AV, Filippova OV, Tcherdyntsev VV, Telyshev DV. Shape memory polymers as smart materials: a review. Polymers. 2022 Aug 26;14(17):3511.
  4. Kouhi M, de Souza Araújo IJ, Asa’ad F, Zeenat L, Bojedla SS, Pati F, Zolfagharian A, Watts DC, Bottino MC, Bodaghi M. Recent advances in additive manufacturing of patient-specific devices for dental and maxillofacial rehabilitation. Dental Materials. 2024 Feb 24.
  5. Roser CJ, D’Anto V, Lux CJ, Segnini C. A digital CAD/CAM configurator for the production of orthodontic appliances–Going new ways. InSeminars in Orthodontics 2024 Jul 3. WB Saunders.
  6. Macrì M, D’Albis V, Marciani R, Nardella M, Festa F. Towards Sustainable Orthodontics: Environmental Implications and Strategies for Clear Aligner Therapy. Materials. 2024 Aug 23;17(17):4171.
  7. Garg J, Grover U, Singh AK. From brass to brilliance: Frugal innovation for safer public spaces. Journal of Business Chemistry. 2024 Jun;2024.
  8. Tigmeanu CV, Ardelean LC, Rusu LC, Negrutiu ML. Additive manufactured polymers in dentistry, current state-of-the-art and future perspectives-a review. Polymers. 2022 Sep 3;14(17):3658.
  9. Chuchulska B, Dimitrova M, Vlahova A, Hristov I, Tomova Z, Kazakova R. Comparative Analysis of the Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility between CAD/CAM and Conventional Polymers Applied in Prosthetic Dentistry. Polymers. 2024 Mar 22;16(7):877.
  10. Csekő K, Maróti P, Helyes Z, Told R, Riegler F, Szalma J, Gurdán Z. The effect of extrinsic factors on the mechanical behavior and structure of elastic dental ligatures and chains. Polymers. 2021 Dec 23;14(1):38.
  11. Jia B, Zhang B, Li J, Qin J, Huang Y, Huang M, Ming Y, Jiang J, Chen R, Xiao Y, Du J. Emerging polymeric materials for treatment of oral diseases: design strategy towards a unique oral environment. Chemical Society Reviews. 2024.
  12. Iijima M, Zinelis S, Papageorgiou SN, Brantley W, Eliades T. Orthodontic brackets. InOrthodontic Applications of Biomaterials 2017 Jan 1 (pp. 75-96). Woodhead Publishing.
  13. Yun Z, Qin D, Wei F, Xiaobing L. Application of antibacterial nanoparticles in orthodontic materials. Nanotechnology Reviews. 2022 Jun 25;11(1):2433-50.
  14. Kantaros A, Ganetsos T, Piromalis D. 4D Printing: Technology Overview and Smart Materials Utilized. Kantaros, A., Ganetsos, T. & Piromalis, D.(2023). 4D Printing: Technology Overview and Smart Materials Utilized. Journal of Mechatronics and Robotics. 2023 Feb 21;7(1):1-4.
  15. Palumbo A, Yang EH. Current trends on flexible and wearable mechanical sensors based on conjugated polymers combined with carbon nanotubes. InConjugated Polymers for Next-Generation Applications 2022 Jan 1 (pp. 361-399). Woodhead Publishing.
  16. Nyabadza A, Vázquez M, Coyle S, Fitzpatrick B, Brabazon D. Review of materials and fabrication methods for flexible nano and micro-scale physical and chemical property sensors. Applied Sciences. 2021 Sep 15;11(18):8563.
  17. Virdi GK, Prashar A, Kaur R. Advances in orthodontic archwires. International Journal of Health Sciences. 2021:306-19.
  18. Grant JE. Forces and Moments Generated by 3D-Printed Clear Aligners of varying Labial and Lingual Thicknesses during Lingual Movement of Maxillary Central Incisor (Master’s thesis, Saint Louis University).
  19. Mahalingam J, Thirumurugan R, Dharmalingam S, Roy SS, Phuvi S, Aswathaman R. Effect of alkali treatment on properties of Palmyra palm tree primary flower leaf stalk fiber–reinforced polymer composites. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. 2024 Dec;14(23):29403-14.
  20. Fernandez-Garcia M, Martinez-Arias A, Hanson JC, Rodriguez JA. Nanostructured oxides in chemistry: characterization and properties. Chemical reviews. 2004 Sep 8;104(9):4063-104.
  21. Dhatterwal JS, Kaswan KS, Kumar N. Self-powered integrated sensor system for printable fabrication. InSelf-Powered Sensors 2025 Jan 1 (pp. 187-235). Academic Press.
  22. Fan J, Njuguna J. An introduction to lightweight composite materials and their use in transport structures. InLightweight Composite Structures in Transport 2016 Jan 1 (pp. 3-34). Woodhead Publishing.
  23. Reema Shah, Sameer Zope, Girish Suragimath, Siddharth Varma, Vaishali Mashalkar, Apurva Kale. Development of a Polymeric Detection System for Salivary Annexin-1: A Potential Tool for Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Periodontal Disease. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2024; 12(05):101-110.
  24. Wang Y, Ding Y, Yu K, Dong G. Innovative polymer‐based composite materials in additive manufacturing: a review of methods, materials, and applications. Polymer Composites. 2024 Dec 10;45(17):15389-420.
  25. Anagha A. Raut, G.R. Pathade. Development of Polymer-based Mulch Films for Disease Suppression. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2024; 13(01):856-863.
  26. Zhai W, Bai L, Zhou R, Fan X, Kang G, Liu Y, Zhou K. Recent progress on wear‐resistant materials: designs, properties, and applications. Advanced Science. 2021 Jun;8(11):2003739.
  27. Jouenne S. Polymer flooding in high temperature, high salinity conditions: Selection of polymer type and polymer chemistry, thermal stability. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2020 Dec 1;195:107545.
  28. Manickaraj K, Karthik A, Palanisamy S, Jayamani M, Ali SK, Sankar SL, et al. Improving mechanical performance of hybrid polymer composites: Incorporating banana stem leaf and jute fibers with tamarind shell powder. BioResources [Internet]. 2025 Jan 13;20(1):1998–2025. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.15376/biores.20.1.1998-2025
  29. Aruchamy K, Karuppusamy M, Krishnakumar S, Palanisamy S, Jayamani M, Sureshkumar K, et al. Enhancement of mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites using palmyra palm and coconut sheath fibers: The role of tamarind shell powder. BioResources [Internet]. 2024 Nov 21;20(1):698–724. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.15376/biores.20.1.698-724
  30. Kar A, Saikia D, Palanisamy S, Pandiarajan N. Effect of fiber loading on the mechanical, morphological, and dynamic mechanical characteristics of Calamus tenuis fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology [Internet]. 2024 Sep 30;31(1):224–40. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/vnl.22167
  31. Alex Y, Divakaran N, Ajay Kumar PV, Dhamodharan D, Mubarak S, Wang J, et al. Computational studies and modeling aspects of functionalized polymer nanocomposites. Advances in Functionalized Polymer Nanocomposites [Internet]. 2024;1001–30. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-443-18860-2.00020-7
  32. Satankar V, Jhodkar D, Singh M, Kumar M, Mageshwaran V, Palanisamy S, et al. Two-step process for gossypol reduction and protein enhancement in cottonseed kernel powder. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery [Internet]. 2024 Jun 29; Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13399-024-05884-9
Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 28/02/2025
Accepted 04/04/2025
Published 23/06/2025
Publication Time 115 Days
412

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics