COMPARISON OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMER SHEETS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF DENTAL ALIGNERS

Abstract

In this paper, a methodology using Ashby plots is presented to select a thermoplastic
polymer to manufacture by thermoforming a dental aligner for orthodontics treatment. Thirteen
biomedical commercial polymers were selected and according to hierarchical criteria of
mechanical-geometric properties the comparison plots were done. The selected properties were
translucency, water absorption, elastic modulus, thickness change during thermoforming and
original thickness of commercial polymer. According with orthodontists, the Ashby plots were
stated as a fundamental support for the selection of the polymer since these properties directly
influence the design of the aligner.