AMOA3D
AMOA3D aims to develop a new generation of transparent orthodontic aligners that can be produced using additive manufacturing technologies. By applying innovative dual-wavelength stereolithography, the mechanical properties within a single aligner can be precisely tailored. This enables more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable orthodontic treatments.
Project Partners
- Montanuniversität Leoben, Lehrstuhl für Chemie der Kunststoffe, Coordinator
- Montanuniversität Leoben, Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffkunde und Prüfung der Kunststoffe
- Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH
- Danube Private University GmbH
- Luxinergy GmbH
Motivation and Goals
Dental malocclusions affect a large part of the population and are increasingly treated using transparent aligners instead of fixed braces. However, current manufacturing methods are complex, material-intensive, and offer limited control over the mechanical performance of the aligners. Directly 3D-printed aligners still face challenges such as lower force transmission and rapid stress relaxation, which can reduce treatment effectiveness.
The AMOA3D project addresses these limitations by developing an innovative additive manufacturing process that enables spatially controller material properties with a single aligner. By combining stiffer and softer regions, the force applied to teeth can be optimized and more malocclusions can potentially be treated.
The Polymer Competence Center Leoben (PCCL) plays a key role in numerical simulation, modeling and design optimization. Using advanced finite element simulations and structural optimization methods, PCCL analyzes stress distribution, material behavior, and force transmission within the aligner structure. These virtual models enable the targeted optimization of geometry and material distribution to ensure effective teeth movement, improved patient comfort, and long-term mechanical performance.
Main Goals
- Development of an additive manufacturing process for personalized dental aligners
- Application of dual-wavelength stereolithography to locally tailor mechanical material properties
- Simulation-driven design optimization of aligner structures using finite element methods
- Improved force transmission and treatment efficiencies for more complex malocclusions
- Reduction of material consumption, process steps, and production costs
- Valuable contribution to the UN‘s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
-UN SDG Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)
- UN SDG Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
- UN SDG Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
- UN SDG Goal 13 (Climate Action)
Objectives and Approach
The AMOA3D project first focuses on the development of novel photopolymer resin systems that react to different light wavelengths and allow precise control over mechanical properties. In parallel, a new DLP-based 3D printing platform capable of dual-wavelength exposure is developed. Based on these materials and technologies, PCCL develops numerical models to simulate and optimize the aligner structures. Finite element simulations are used to analyze how different material combinations, hierarchical structures, and active functionalities influence stress distribution and stress transmission to the teeth. The optimized designs are then manufactured as prototypes and experimentally validated with respect to mechanical performance, biocompatibility, and clinical functionality.
„By combining innovative materials, additive manufacturing, and simulation-driven design optimization, AMOA3D aims to enable a new generation of personalized dental aligners that make orthodontic treatments more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable. “
Funding Body
The research work within the project “AMOA3D – Adaptive Multimaterial Orthodontic Aligners via Dual-Wavelength 3D Printing” is performed at the Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH (PCCL, Austria) within the framework of the “Circular economy and production technology, national 2024” program line (project no. 929244) of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI). The program is managed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).
