Unveiling the Future of Aligner Material: Zendura FLX vs GT Flex – A Revolutionary Comparison
Clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment with aesthetic appeal, convenience, and patient comfort. However, the success of clear aligners heavily depends on the material used to fabricate them. Over the years, manufacturers have strived to develop and improve materials that meet the requirements of an ideal clear aligner: providing gentle and sustained orthodontic force, comfort, transparency, and durability.
One notable material in this field is Zendura FLX, developed by Bay Materials, a company with extensive experience in thermoplastic materials for orthodontic applications. While their original Zendura A material already met performance objectives, the goal was to find a material that could further enhance patient comfort, improve teeth movement force, resist deformation, and maintain transparency. It led to the development of Zendura FLX, a unique trilayered material that combines an elastomeric inner core with a hard outer shell.
The trilayer structure of Zendura FLX is designed to provide both flexibility and elasticity, allowing for a reduction in the initial aligner insertion force and increased patient comfort. The hard outer shell enhances elasticity and ensures a firm grip on the teeth, facilitating desired tooth movements and protecting against grinding from the opposing dental arch. However, the real magic of this material lies in its exceptional elastic rebound, which allows for significantly better teeth movement force than competing materials.
A study comparing the physical properties of different clear aligner materials found that Zendura FLX and CA Pro exhibited the lowest modulus of elasticity and low tensile strength values. Additionally, Zendura was identified as the material with the highest hardness. The study also highlighted the smoother surface of Duran+, CA Pro, GT Flex, and GT Pro materials compared to others. Taglus Premium material stood out for its high transparency.
While the study suggests the need for clinical studies to confirm these mechanical properties, Zendura FLX’s unique characteristics make it a promising material for clear aligners.
Good Fit Technologies offers GT Flex clear aligner and retainer materials as another notable option. These thermoplastic materials are engineered to provide superior strength, flexibility, and affordability. The GT Flex series includes Original, Pro, and Max formulations. Each formulation offers flexibility, strength, and clarity, making them excellent choices for clear aligners and retainers.
Regarding movement per aligner, SmileStream Solutions states that GT Flex Pro provides better results than Zendura regular, being more robust, flexible, and stable. The company also mentions the acceptance of all intraoral scanners, including the iTero scanner, making it easy to submit scans for precise aligner fabrication. Those without intraoral scanners accept PVS impressions and stone models.
GT Flex materials are engineered for patient health and safety, being BPA-free, latex-free, phthalate-free, and gluten-free. These materials have gained popularity among dentists worldwide, with successful treatment outcomes reported. In addition, they are compatible with high-volume production solutions and have been trusted by leading aligner and retainer producers.
In conclusion, Zendura FLX and GT Flex offer clear aligner material technology advancements. While Zendura FLX provides excellent elastic rebound and a unique trilayer structure, GT Flex materials stand out for their flexibility, strength, and affordability. The choice between these materials ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of dentists, dental laboratories, and aligner companies. It is recommended to consult with sales representatives or clinicians to determine the most suitable option for individual practices.