2025 WCHRI Summer Student

The mechanics of multi-material aligners in children’s orthodontics

Mechanical engineering student Andy Perez Sanchez’s research explores how different materials in clear orthodontic aligners affect their performance. His goal is to improve treatment for children by better understanding the biomechanics of these popular alternatives to traditional braces.

His project used advanced material testing methods to understand the properties of a range of aligner materials and an orthodontic simulator to measure the forces applied to individual teeth. By combining both kinds of data, he aims to understand how material choice affects treatment outcomes. “The intricacies of material testing are much more complex than I thought. I have taken a few classes on material testing and the properties of materials, and this summer experience has reminded me that I still have so much to learn, which is very exciting in my mind.”

Goals:

• Test the strength and flexibility of orthodontic materials using a uniaxial flexure test that bends the material in one direction, and a planar biaxial test that stretches the material in two directions simultaneously.
• Use an orthodontic simulator to measure the forces produced on each tooth.
• Combine the results to understand how material performance impacts treatment.

Potential impact: The outcomes of this project could inform new innovations in multi-material aligners, leading to more predictable tooth movement, reduced treatment times and better overall results for children undergoing orthodontic care.

Supervisor: Dan Romanyk, associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Funders: Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation

Interested in doing research to improve the health of women and/or children? Read more about WCHRI’s training awards for students at all levels and generous grants for researchers.