Dentistry journal
Adaptation and Retention of Digitally Fabricated Presurgical Orthopedic Plates for Infants with Cleft Lip and Palate
By Shakir F and Abid M.
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the fitness and retention of presurgical infant orthopedic (PSIO) plates fabricated from three materials-polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG), PETG/polyurethane (PETG/TPU), and direct-printed Tera Harz resin-within a standardized in vitro framework.
Methods
Thirty molding plates (ten per material) were fabricated on stereolithographic models. Fitness was assessed virtually using Exocad software DentalCAD 3.3 SR1 (exocad GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany), with gap distances measured at 36 standardized points across anterior, middle, and posterior regions. Statistical analysis was performed using Welch's ANOVA and Games-Howell post hoc comparisons. Retention was tested on soft gum casts using a digital force gauge under simulated intraoral conditions. Plates were seated with denture adhesive, pressurized, and subjected to perpendicular traction until detachment. Mean retentive force was calculated from three repeated trials per plate.