Research Information System
Australasian Orthodontic Journal, vol.41, no.1, pp.32-39, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective: This study aims to explain the mechanisms of the four-dimensional (4D) printing technique and its potential applications in dental and orthodontic practice. General Information: Rapid advances in science and technology have led to significant developments in production systems. Described as additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping, a positive innovation has been the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) printers in the 1980s. The technology quickly became popular because it allowed complex structures to be produced using less material compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Objects are designed in three dimensions using dedicated computer programs and 3D printed using materials such as composites, resins, metals, and polymers. Orthodontics has also benefitted from 3D printing in the fields of clear aligner treatment, indirect bonding using bracket transfer trays, dental modelling, and the production of guides for mini-screw and implant placement, as well as the manufacture of removable appliances. As 3D printers continued to evolve and new ‘smart’ materials were specifically developed, 4D printing techniques emerged. 4D printing allows objects, produced by 3D printers to change shape in response to stimuli, usually in the form of heat and light, thereby enabling the performance of specific functions. The objects can also self-assemble into larger structures without external intervention. The applications of 4D printing are expanding across a wide range of clinical fields. Conclusion: 4D printing is an evolving technology that requires further research. However, if integrated into dentistry, it holds great potential as an efficient printing method, similar to its applications in other fields.