Senka Meštrović
Short CV
Senka Meštrović was born in 1967 in Zagreb. In 1990 she graduated from the University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine. In 1992 she finished the postgraduate program and defended her master’s thesis titled “Orthodontic Disorders and Oral Health in Subjects with Down Syndrome” and obtained the title of Master of Science. Since 1991, she has been employed as a research novice at the School of Dental Medicine, and on August 8th, 1993, she was elected an assistant at the Department of Orthodontics. In 1995 she finished clinical training in orthodontics. During the academic year 1995/96, she spent a month on professional training at the University of Vienna Orthodontics Clinic as a CEEPUS scholarship holder. In 1999 she defended her dissertation entitled “Finite element method analysis of stress and strain caused by the orthodontic forces”. On 23rd December 1999 she was elected to the scientific-teaching title of assistant professor, and on 15th July 2003 to the scientific-teaching title of associate professor. On January 20th, 2008, she was elected a full professor. 21st January 2014 she was elected to the full tenured professor scientific-teaching title. From the academic years 2007/02008 to 2011/2012 she was vice-dean for education and students. She is head of the Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine University of Zagreb.
Lecture: Advancements in orthodontic materials
The history of orthodontics is strongly connected with the development and research of new materials to enhance treatment results, patient comfort, and esthetics. During the 20th century, most research was done on alloys. In recent years, aesthetic demands related to orthodontic devices have significantly increased due to the growing number of adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The advancement in orthodontic treatment experienced a paradigm shift with the introduction of clear orthodontic aligners, which use blooming. The most commonly used plastomers for producing clear orthodontic aligners are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polycarbonate (PC), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The production of aligners primarily involves two techniques: thermoforming and 3D printing. Each affects different manufacturing procedures and material choices suitable for the process, requiring specific chemical and mechanical properties of the aligners, which are crucial for their effectiveness, durability, comfort, and safety. Alongside manufacturing parameters, the choice of materials plays a key role in the clinical efficacy of aligners. In this context, materials can impact clinical performance such as force control, tooth movement, stiffness, and biocompatibility. Following the manufactory process, thermoplastic polymers may experience alterations in their mechanical properties. Additionally, when used by patients, aligners are exposed to a harsh environment of the oral cavity that can potentially degrade their properties, thereby negatively affecting treatment effectiveness. On the other hand for 3D printed aligners post-processing protocols, polymerization conditions, and their cumulative impact on the conversion rate and mechanical properties of aligners become vital.