GT FLEX Thermoforming Instructions
Keep Protective Lamination in Place
The GT FLEX clear aligner & retainer materials come with a super-thin, protective lamination on both sides. Leave these protective layers in place throughout the thermoforming process. They help protect the aligner or retainer from absorbing potentially nasty chemicals from the printed models and from dust or other debris that could reduce the clarity of the finished aligner or retainer.
They also provide a generally higher level of sanitation to the finished aligner or retainer – some dentists even deliver the aligners or retainers to patients with these protective layers still in place.
Protective Lamination
Lamination in Place
Lamination Removed
Thermoforming
| GT FLEX ORIGINAL – 0.8mm (0.03″) Thickness | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine | Heating* | Cooling | Pressure |
| MINISTAR / BIOSTAR | 25 Seconds (CODE-113) @ Machine Default Temperature | Machine Default | 4 Bars Minimum |
| Erkodent / Forestadent | Machine Default Time @ 150°C | 40 Seconds | Machine Default |
| Drufomat | 55 Seconds @ 160°C | 40 Seconds | 4 Bars Minimum |
| 5″ Square Machines | Heat the material until you see a 1/2″ droop in the center of the sheet, then thermoform | ||
| GT FLEX PRO – 0.625mm (0.025″) Thickness | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine | Heating* | Cooling | Pressure |
| MINISTAR / BIOSTAR | 20 Seconds (CODE-103) @ Machine Default Temperature | Machine Default | 4 Bars Minimum |
| Erkodent / Forestadent | Machine Default Time @ 155°C | 40 Seconds | Machine Default |
| Drufomat | 55 Seconds @ 160°C | 40 Seconds | 4 Bars Minimum |
| 5″ Square Machines | Heat the material until you see a 1/2″ droop in the center of the sheet, then thermoform | ||
| GT FLEX PRO – 0.8mm (0.03″) Thickness | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine | Heating* | Cooling | Pressure |
| MINISTAR / BIOSTAR | 25 Seconds (CODE-113) @ Machine Default Temperature | Machine Default | 4 Bars Minimum |
| Erkodent / Forestadent | Machine Default Time @ 160°C | 40 Seconds | Machine Default |
| Drufomat | 60 Seconds @ 160°C | 40 Seconds | 4 Bars Minimum |
| 5″ Square Machines | Heat the material until you see a 1/2″ droop in the center of the sheet, then thermoform | ||
| GT FLEX PRO – 1.0mm (0.04″) Thickness | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine | Heating* | Cooling | Pressure |
| MINISTAR / BIOSTAR | 30 Seconds (CODE-123) @ Machine Default Temperature | Machine Default | 4 Bars Minimum |
| Erkodent / Forestadent | Machine Default Time @ 165°C | 55 Seconds | Machine Default |
| Drufomat | 65 Seconds @ 160°C | 55 Seconds | 4 Bars Minimum |
| 5″ Square Machines | Heat the material until you see a 1/2″ droop in the center of the sheet, then thermoform | ||
| GT FLEX MAX – 0.8mm (0.03″) Thickness | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine | Heating* | Cooling | Pressure |
| MINISTAR / BIOSTAR | 30 Seconds (CODE-123) @ Machine Default Temperature | Machine Default | 4 Bars Minimum |
| Erkodent / Forestadent | Machine Default Time @ 165°C | 55 Seconds | Machine Default |
| Drufomat | 65 Seconds @ 160°C | 55 Seconds | 4 Bars Minimum |
| 5″ Square Machines | Heat the material until you see a 1/2″ droop in the center of the sheet, then thermoform | ||
| GT FLEX MAX – 1.0mm (0.04″) Thickness | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine | Heating* | Cooling | Pressure | MINISTAR / BIOSTAR | 35 Seconds (CODE-133) @ Machine Default Temperature | Machine Default | 4 Bars Minimum |
| Erkodent / Forestadent | Machine Default Time @ 170°C | 55 Seconds | Machine Default |
| Drufomat | 70 Seconds @ 160°C | 55 Seconds | 4 Bars Minimum |
| 5″ Square Machines | Heat the material until you see a 1/2″ droop in the center of the sheet, then thermoform | ||
MINISTAR and BIOSTAR are trademarks of SCHEU-DENTAL GmbH. Erkodent is a trademark of Erkodent Erich Kopp GmbH. Forestadent is a trademark of FORESTADENT Bernhard Förster GmbH. Drufomat is a trademark of Dreve Group.
* Important Note About Heating Times
Heating times are general guidelines; individual machines may act differently. If sheet does not adapt well to model, increase or decrease heating time in five-second increments until ideal adaptation is achieved. If sheet folds when thermoformed, bubbles appear in the thermoformed device, or the device is otherwise not clear, check to make sure the machine’s heating element is calibrated correctly and/or reduce heating time until issue no longer occurs.
Finishing
We recommend using sharp carbide cutters and finishing burs over sintered diamond or stone. To smooth and shine edges after cutting, use a hand piece on slow speed with a felt cone and fine-grade pumice.
Cleaning
Do not use solvent to clean GT FLEX sheets or devices.
Keeping the protective lamination in place during thermoforming and finishing should minimize the need for cleaning GT FLEX aligners and retainers. But if you do want to clean them, we recommend using a clean, wet cloth. (Note: for spot-cleaning an unexpected blemish – or to remove excess polishing material – a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab or cloth may be used as well.)
General Precautions
When thermoforming, grinding, or polishing thermoforming materials: 1) avoid contact with hot or molten material as it may cause thermal burns, 2) wear appropriate protection to protect eyes and face, and 3) work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate respiratory protection to avoid inhaling dust or irritating vapors that may be given off as a result of thermal decomposition.
Need to Reorder?
All three of the GT FLEX clear aligner & retainer materials offer a superior mix of clarity, strength, and flexiblity:
GT FLEX Original
GT FLEX PRO
GT FLEX MAX
Next Up: Fabrication & Treatment Planning