(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
LITTLE is known about the American Dental Association Science & Research Institute (ADASRI).
It is a driving force in the advancement of oral health.
Scientists at ADASRI conduct basic and applied research then translate the results of their studies into recommendations that dentists use for clinical practice.
Based in Chicago and Gaithersburg, Maryland, ADASRI delivers important insights to dental professionals and policymakers through its research. This way, it helps improve care and guides innovation in oral health.
For example, no standards currently exist for materials used to produce orthodontic sequential aligners which correct misaligned teeth. ADASRI researchers are hard at work to provide the much needed standards.
“There is a need for a standard that can be used to specifically characterize the physical, thermal and mechanical behavior of materials used in the production of orthodontic sequential aligners,” said Spiro Megremis, Ph.D., Director of ADASRI’s Dental Materials and Devices Research.
He is working with Research Scientist Raquel Miera and Senior Research Associate Henry Lukic in developing the standards for orthodontic sequential aligners.
To characterize the mechanical behavior of aligner materials, they determine the strength of a curve, fold and bend of an apparatus and its modulus, or stiffness. They started with a standard test method used for similar materials but found that five commercially available aligner materials strained too much for that method to be applicable.
The researchers are now investigating two other methods to determine which is appropriate for developing the standards.
The researchers have also examined the thermal behavior of the materials to determine if they could transition at clinically relevant temperatures that are achievable in the mouth. Then they tested the ability of the materials to transmit light to determine translucency or clearness.
“All of this research is being used to inform the development of the standard, including making sure that the test methods used to characterize the aligner materials are appropriate and that the procedures are clear and repeatable,” Dr. Megremis said.
After the scientists determine the appropriate strength test, the updated findings will be shared with a working group tasked with developing the standards.
A standard specific to aligner materials will ensure manufacturers characterize their products in the best and consistent manner possible.
“When a clinician wants to make an informed choice about the material best suited for their patient, they can know that if the manufacturer follows the standard, then they are comparing information that is truly comparable because it has been tested and reported in a standard, repeatable manner,” Ms. Miera said.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
