The Physics Problem Thermoforming Can't Solve
For 20 years, we've asked heated plastic stretched over models to deliver consistent orthodontic forces. The result: unpredictable thickness loss (40-60%), rapid force decay (75% in 3 hours), and refinement rates that shouldn't be acceptable.
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Unpredictable Tracking
Thermoformed aligners lose thickness randomly during forming. You can't control where the tray will be thick or thin—so forces are inconsistent and refinements become routine.
The reality:
- • 40-60% thickness loss in random areas
- • No control over force distribution
- • 30-40% of cases need refinements
- • Treatment outcomes become guesswork
😳
Patient Discomfort
Conventional aligners deliver extreme pressure for hours (causing pain), then forces drop and stay low. Patients suffer at first, then wonder why movement slows.
The reality:
- • High initial forces cause day-one pain
- • 75% force decay within 3 hours
- • Inconsistent tooth movement
- • Patient compliance suffers
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Chair Time Burden
Monthly visits to catch tracking issues. Frequent refinements. Attachment management. Your schedule fills with problem-solving instead of new patient growth.
The reality:
- • 6-8 hours/month on tracking checks
- • Multiple refinement appointments per case
- • Attachment placement/replacement time
- • Lost opportunity for practice growth
Direct-print changes the physics—and the outcomes.
"I've asked all my patients over and over...they all say this is much more comfortable."
— Dr. Bruno Gribel, 3rd-generation orthodontist