Customized Orthodontic Brackets through Additive Manufacturing: Surface Engineering, Corrosion Control, and Clinical Performance

This book focuses on the development, surface finishing, and clinical performance of customized orthodontic brackets produced through additive manufacturing (AM). It discusses the challenges associated with achieving surfaces with sufficient smoothness, corrosion resistance, and long-term biocompatibility in patient-specific orthodontic devices. It also presents original case study data, providing practical insights into surface topography, oxide film stability, and long-term biocompatibility. The book is primarily written for academic researchers, graduate students, and professionals in orthodontics, biomaterials, additive manufacturing, dental materials science, surface engineering, and medical device development. Features Discusses the aggressive oral environment and corrosion drivers, including fluctuating pH, salivary ions, biofilms, and temperature effects on stainless steel brackets. Covers additive manufacturing technologies, including selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and electron beam melting (EBM) for orthodontic applications. Explains surface finishing methods critical for clinical viability, including electropolishing, mechanical tumbling, thermal post-processing, and protective coatings. Presents experimental investigations using microscopy, XPS, and EDS to characterize surface roughness and composition of AM versus conventional brackets. Explores how post-processing techniques such as rotary tumbling and electropolishing affect bracket performance, friction, bacterial adhesion, and clinical reliability. Offers the first dedicated book addressing the specialized intersection of orthodontic bracket design, additive manufacturing, and surface engineering which is a unique contribution that fills a significant gap in current literature.