Why It’s Time to Ditch Thermoformed Aligners for LuxCreo 4D Aligners™:

The Advantages of Direct Print Aligners 

June 19，2025

Let’s be real—traditional thermoformed aligners have been the standard for years. But “standard” doesn’t cut it anymore. As dental technology evolves, it’s clear they’re lagging behind, slowing down treatments, frustrating patients, eating up time and resources, and are unable to support the next wave of more personalized dental appliances. 

It's time for an upgrade; LuxCreo’s 4D Aligners™ aren’t just a step forward—they’re a leap ahead. If you’re still relying on thermoformed aligners, here’s why it’s time to rethink your approach.  

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The Challenge with Thermoformed Aligners 

We’ve all seen it. Thermoformed aligners started strong but tend to fall short in a few key areas: 

  • Inconsistent Fit: The thermoforming process has one main area of inaccuracy: Inaccurate creation of 3D printed models leads to an inaccurate thermoforming process. Any inaccuracies mean less control over tooth movement and potentially longer treatment times.  
  • Plastic Material Creeps over Time: As your patient wears their thermoformed aligner, the forces exerted on the teeth lessen, resulting in less predictable treatment that doesn’t track or move teeth. 4D Aligners™ feature patented ActiveMemory™ polymer which reset the aligner to its original forces after a few seconds in boiling water.  
  • Slow & Inefficient Workflow: You’ve got to deal with molds, thermoforming, trimming, and maybe even outsourcing over the course of multiple appointments. It’s a lot of steps that eat up time and resources and take control out of your hands. 
  • Sustainability: 4D Aligners™ are directly printed, cutting waste by 90% by removing the need for printed models and thermoforming plastics 

Why LuxCreo 4D Aligners™ Are the Upgrade You Need

LuxCreo’s 4D Aligners™ are like the superhero version of aligners: smarter, stronger, faster, and deliver better results. So, what are the advantages of direct print aligners over thermoform? 

 

ActiveMemory™ Polymer: By combining mechanical integrity, thermal reactivation capabilities, and enhanced force delivery characteristics, these systems offer the potential for more predictable, efficient orthodontic treatment. Submerging 4D Aligners™ in hot water resets them back to their original forces and shape while simultaneously cleaning the aligner.  

Workflow Made Simple: Forget the lengthy, manual process of thermoforming. LuxCreo’s digital workflow is a game-changer. With Fast Track AI, you can design aligners in minutes and print them directly, skipping all the extra steps. The result? Single-visit dentistry, happier patients, and better treatment outcomes. 

Design Customization: Direct print aligners allow the adjustment of thickness and the trim line of the aligners, expanding biomechanical possibilities and personalization of individual treatment. 

 

The Bottom Line 

Traditional thermoformed aligners are good. 4D Aligners™ are better. So, what are the advantages of direct print aligners? Immediate treatment, better results, less chair time and treat more patients. 

Thermoformed aligners have served their purpose, but the future is here now, and it’s all about LuxCreo 4D Aligners™. They’re precise, efficient, durable, and way easier to work with. And the best part- your patients are wearing a like-new aligner everyday thanks to the power of ActiveMemory™.  

 So, why settle for “standard” when you can offer your patients the latest and greatest?  

If you’re ready to bring your aligner game into the future, LuxCreo’s 4D Aligners™ with ActiveMemory™ Polymer are waiting for you. Let’s make your practice more efficient, your patients happier, and your results better.