Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring changes in mechanical properties, mechanical responses, and or mechanical performances of orthodontic aligners are disclosed. The orthodontic aligners can include a plurality of speckles. The plurality of speckles are adapted for digital image correlation measurements. The methods involve acquiring digital images of the orthodontic aligner and performing digital image correlation on these images. From the digital image correlation, a change in one or more mechanical properties, mechanical responses, and/or mechanical performances in the orthodontic aligner are determined. The systems and methods can provide insight into mechanical properties of physiological structures, which can aid patient diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring changes in mechanical properties, mechanical responses, and or mechanical performances of orthodontic aligners are disclosed. The orthodontic aligners can include a plurality of speckles. The plurality of speckles are adapted for digital image correlation measurements. The methods involve acquiring digital images of the orthodontic aligner and performing digital image correlation on these images. From the digital image correlation, a change in one or more mechanical properties, mechanical responses, and/or mechanical performances in the orthodontic aligner are determined. The systems and methods can provide insight into mechanical properties of physiological structures, which can aid patient diagnosis and treatment.