# Inexpensive 3D-Printed Braces This College Student Used a 3D Printer to Make Custom Braces By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-03-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-braces References: [bustle](http://www.bustle.com/articles/148743-college-student-3d-printed-braces-for-only-60-and-these-ones-are-actually-safe) & [amosdudley](http://amosdudley.com/weblog/Ortho) College student Amos Dudley recently set out to fix his slightly crooked smile by creating his own 3D-printed braces. While braces are a common solution to many oral health issues, the expensive price tag often prevents people from pursuing this option. Now there may be a inexpensive alternative available for those with access to a 3D printer. Dudley created his set of [3D printed braces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dralignnavi) as a means of correcting his slightly crooked smile. Unable to afford other types of adult braces, Dudley decided to use a 3D printer to create his own set. He started by making a plaster mold of his mouth and then used advanced computer software to understand the placement of his teeth. Finally, he used orthodontics textbooks to map out pathways for the movement of his teeth. After 16 weeks and a total of $60 spent, Dudley was left with perfectly straight teeth. Although not everyone can make their own DIY braces, the project demonstrates how new technology may be used to lower the cost of [professional orthodontics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orthodontic-technology). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Affordable DIY Orthodontics:** The use of 3D printing technology allows for the creation of custom braces at a fraction of the cost, making orthodontics more accessible. - **Personalized Dental Solutions:** The ability to create personalized 3D-printed braces opens up opportunities for customized dental treatments for individuals. - **Technology-driven Dentistry:** The integration of advanced computer software and 3D printing technology revolutionizes the field of dentistry and offers innovative solutions for oral health. ### Who This Affects Most - **Orthodontics:** The orthodontic industry can explore the use of 3D printing technology to provide more affordable and custom solutions for patients. - **Dental Technology:** Advancements in dental technology, such as 3D printing, enable the development of new products and services that enhance patient care and accessibility. - **Personalized Medicine:** The concept of customization and personalization in dentistry can be extended to other areas of healthcare, leading to disruptive innovation in personalized medicine. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Whole Mouth Flossers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blizzflosser.md) - [Desktop Medical 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/einstein-dental.md) - [AI-Powered Dental Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-predict.md) - [App-Customized Arm Braces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appcustomized-arm-braces-the-brace-elbow-brace-by-nils-sorger-is-3d-printed.md) - [Hybrid Health-Tech Aligner Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/careplus-premium-aligner-offering.md) - [Low-Cost 3D Printing Resins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/formlabs-creator-series.md) - [3D Printed Shoe Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customfit-3d-printed-shoes.md) - [3D-Printed Workshop Wrenches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workshop-wrench.md) - [Accessible 3D Wood Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digilab-3d20.md)