journal article·2025-11Open access

All‐In‐One Iontronic Sensing Aligner for High‐Precision 3D Orthodontic Force Monitoring

Jiahao Guo, Qin Niu, Jilei Xu, Liyan Wang, Xiangyang Wang, Jiangdong Gong, Hanfei Zhu, Ruojiang Wang, Yu Chang, Tingrui Pan, Si Chen

Advanced Science· Volume 12· Issue 43

Abstract

Abstract Clear aligners offer aesthetic and comfort advantages in orthodontics, yet their ability to deliver effective forces relies heavily on empirical judgment or large‐scale optical scanning, lacking real‐time quantitative evaluation. Integrating pressure sensors into aligners is a promising solution, but challenges in miniaturization, multi‐dimensional sensing, measurement accuracy, and biocompatibility hinder clinical application. Here, an all‐in‐one Orthodontic Force Acquisition System (OFAS) is presented that enables real‐time, 3D force monitoring using a cross‐shaped iontronic sensing array and an origami‐inspired, wireless battery‐free readout circuit miniaturized for single‐tooth placement. The system employs a cross‐linked polyelectrolyte with low creep and high repeatability, achieving 1.14% measurement accuracy. A 15‐day in vivo study demonstrates that OFAS accurately captured dynamic force profiles with strong correlation to tooth displacement (R 2 > 0.99), confirming its feasibility for real‐time, quantitative orthodontic force measurement and enabling timely treatment adjustments.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Tactile and Sensory Interactions · Interactive and Immersive Displays

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Biomedical Engineering Division of Life Science and Medicine University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China

Center for Intelligent Medical Equipment and Devices Institute for innovative Medical Devices Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research University of Science and Technology of China Suzhou 215123 China

Department of Orthodontics National Center for Stomatology National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology No.22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian Beijing 100081 China

Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation School of Engineering Science University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China

Bionic Sensing and Intelligence Center (BSIC) Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Guangdong 518055 China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China · Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality · National Natural Science Foundation of China · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

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