Researchers have demonstrated a novel approach toward smart orthodontics based on near-infrared red light from a mechanically flexible LED powered by flexible bio-safe batteries all integrated in a single 3D-printed dental brace. | |||||||||||||||||||||
As the team from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) demonstrates in their paper in NPJ Flexible Electronics ("Flexible and biocompatible high-performance solid-state micro-battery for implantable orthodontic system"), integration of red light therapy enhances bone regeneration, reducing overall time to wear the dental brace and unburdening users from expense. Furthermore, 3D printing allows personalized (instead of one size fits all) transparent dental brace. | |||||||||||||||||||||
"Integration of electronic devices in 3D printed dental aligners, as we have demonstrated here, is a pragmatic approach towards implementing a flexible electronic technology in personalized advanced healthcare, particularly in orthodontics," Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at KAUST, tells Nanowerk. " The next stage of our work will be to demonstrate diagnostics in the smart dental brace in which sensors are able to detect the pressure exerted by aligners on teeth. This might help orthodontists estimate the force required by aligners; thus providing both diagnostic and treatment capabilities in dental braces. "
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