eCligner—aesthetic orthodontic appliance

The eCligner System is a clear plastic removable orthodontic appliance produced by a vacuum former. It is made of non-toxic and biologically acceptable PET-G material, similar to PET milk bottles and elastics. In crowding cases of 2–3 mm, orthodontic treatment with eCligner clear aligners can be as short as 4–5 months (Figs.1–3).

Development of clear aligners and the eCligner system

In late autumn of 1998, the inspiration for moving teeth with transparent removable orthodontic appliances came to me while I was observing soap bubbles in my bathroom. I successfully started using these appliances to treat simple relapse cases and named them clear aligners. Although several appliance companies use the term ‘clear aligner’, it was the name I originally created for marketing this technology worldwide.

Making clear aligners in the laboratory requires precise tooth movement control in the model set-up. CAPRO (IV-Tech, Korea) software was used to overlap two digital photos for checking the range of movement for each tooth. Using a heat-generated vacuum former and 0.5 mm, 0.62 mm, and 0.75 mm laminate foil, three thicknesses of aligners (soft, medium, and hard) were created for each movement or ‘step’ of treatment. Starting with the soft, then medium, and then hard, each aligner is worn for one week before moving on to the next step (Figs. 4 & 5).

As effective as handmade aligners are, there are limits in the clinical application. The quality of the aligner depends upon the expertise of the technician, even using technology like the CAPRO software. Some of the limitations include the tendency for tooth necrosis due to heavy orthodontic forces, as well as inefficiencies in tooth movement or misdirection. To overcome these challenges, it was necessary to develop new eCligner software utilising a 3-D CAD/CAM system. This system incorporates the same basic principles as handmade clear aligners with the added benefits of improved control over tooth movement, digital diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as consistency in estimating treatment times. It also allows for better patient communication and solutions for lost/broken aligners or relapses. By developing this advanced software in 2009, the eCligner system gained significant clinical enhancements (Figs. 6–11).

Mechanics of the eCligner

The eCligner System produces aligners from 3-D-printed resin models, which are created using the eCligner treatment planning software. Each model represents a step and is used to create three aligners of increasing thickness (soft, medium, and hard). The patient wears each aligner for one week until that step is complete and then moves on to the next step (three weeks in total). eCligner aligners are worn for 17 hours a day and removed when eating or when drinking hot drinks. The Treatment Plan is a guide for the entire process and includes estimated treatment times, expected results, profile changes, and the amount and location of IPR (stripping) required. The Treatment Plan can also be used to evaluate extraction or non-extraction options in borderline cases. eCligner aligners are a comfortable fit and the increasing thickness helps promote gradual tooth movement, thus avoiding pain or irritation of the periodontal ligament tissue (Figs. 12–18).

Adult patients

For adult patients, aligners should be worn 17 hours every day except during mealtimes or when drinking hot drinks. Patients must wear the aligner each night and clean the aligner with a toothbrush daily. eCligner aligners can be used to create space for prosthodontic implants or extrusion for periodontal purposes. 3-D simulations within the programme can enhance treatment acceptance by the patient (Fig. 19).

Adolescent patients

Treatment with eCligner aligners is possible with children under 14 years of age for the purpose of interceptive orthodontic treatment. The eCligner system can be used for space maintenance, space creation, eruption guidance, and growth control. Children wear eCligner aligners for only 8–10 hours daily and only at night. Thus, the eCligner system does not disrupt daily routines and takes advantage of peak growth hormone secretion during the midnight hours for maximum effectiveness (Figs. 20 & 21).

eCligner applications

The eCligner system is effective for minor tooth movement, crowding and spacing, and for prosthodontic or periodontal treatment. It is also effective for retaining the arch after orthodontic treatment.

Examples of eClinger applications:
1. Minor crowding (Figs. 22–29)
2. Spacing (Figs. 30 & 31)
3. Intrusion (Figs. 32 & 33)
4. Extrusion for detailing & occlusal seating (Figs. 34
& 35)
5. Children case (Figs. 36 & 37)
6. Expansion case (Figs. 38 & 39)
7. Relapse treatment (Figs. 40 & 41)
8. For prosthodontic needs (Figs. 42 & 43)
9. For aesthetic smile (Figs. 44–46)
10. Combination with whitening treatment (Fig.47)

How to start

1. Register as a provider via the website
2. Upload patient info and photos
3. Submit PVS impressions or an intraoral scan
4. Receive and review the Treatment Plan
5. Consult with the patient using 3-D simulations
6. Accept the case
7. Receive the eCligner aligners and resin models
(Figs. 48–50)

Patient management

Confirm the proper fit of the current aligner when the patient visits. If not fully fitting, the patient needs more time to wear the current aligner (Figs. 51 & 52).

Solution for lost/damaged aligners and relapse

The eCligner system provides all the aligners and resin models. If the patient has lost or damaged aligners, simply use the resin models to create replacement aligners. If the patient stops wearing the aligners, find the resin model that matches the current arch form and remake the required aligners to restart treatment. For relapses after treatment, find the resin model that matches the patient’s present arch form and create all the aligners from that step to the final step. It is recommended to show the full series of resin models to the patient to demonstrate the entire process before starting treatment (Figs. 53 & 54).

Retention

For the first year after orthodontic treatment, the patient must wear the retainer every night. After the first year, three nights per week is sufficient to prevent relapse. Thereafter, the patient must wear the retainer at least one night per week. The retainer should be replaced every year at the patient’s annual visit (Fig. 55).

 

Editorial note: A complete list of references is available from the publisher. This article was published in ortho_ international magazine of orthodontology No. 01/2016.