Question 1

How does thermoforming change aligner thickness?

Accepted Answer

The heated sheet stretches over the printed model, so the finished aligner becomes thinner than the original sheet, especially over high or prominent areas. The degree of thinning depends on model height, tooth anatomy, model position and the original material. This is why starting sheet thickness alone does not describe the final aligner thickness.

Question 2

How does thermoforming change aligner thickness?

Accepted Answer

The heated sheet stretches over the printed model, so the finished aligner becomes thinner than the original sheet, especially over high or prominent areas. The degree of thinning depends on model height, tooth anatomy, model position and the original material. This is why starting sheet thickness alone does not describe the final aligner thickness.