Reimagining Cranial Remolding Through 3D Printing

Talee: Reimagining Cranial Remolding Through 3D Printing
3D printing has become a worldwide phenomenon that has improved efficiency and provided an easy way to expand 
a creative outlet. Not only that, but it has also revolutionized health care. Talee is just one example of helping solve an unmet clinical need using 3D printing.
Plagiocephaly, which is an asymmetrical head flattening, and brachycephaly, which is when the back of the head 
becomes flattened, are common in babies, affecting roughly 1 in 5 of all infants [1]. This is due to babies having soft
skulls, which strengthen and join as the baby gets older. If there is specific pressure on one area of the head, such as 
within the womb or from back sleeping, it can lead to asymmetrical flattening. Current treatments include more time allocated to the stomach or changing the positions of toys. There is also the option of helmets and headbands that provide pressure to different areas of the skull to even out the asymmetry, but traditionally, they are bulky, 
uncomfortable, and heavy. 

Talee is a 3D-printed cranial remolding orthosis for infants that provides more comfort and breathability for the 
patient. Before implementation, 3D white light scanning is conducted to ensure the helmet has the desired fit, a 
process that is minimally invasive to the baby. Talee also offers customization options such as color and text. They 
offer two versions of latches, either a bi-valve or a flexible hinge, that can be chosen for ease of removal for the parents 

Talee has treated tens of thousands of infants across 40 countries, with an average treatment age of 4 months [2]. 
There is also software that can be used to track the treatment process over time, which usually takes between 3 and 6 months. The two-stage design allows a single helmet to be worn for the entire treatment period, and at 
40% lighter than traditional helmets, it offers a more comfortable option for infants [3]. This allows the parents to feel at ease throughout their child's development. The 3D print filament is made of Rilsan® PA11, a renewable 
alternative to traditional printing materials derived from castor plants.

Talee's success illustrates a broader shift in medical device design: toward solutions that are lighter, more 
personalized, and built around the patient from the very first scan.

Article written by Jennifer Joanna-Joan Villeneuve,
M.ESc Biomedical Engineering Candidate, B.ESc Mechatronic Systems & B.ESc Biomedical Engineering

References
[1] “NHS 111 Wales - Health A-Z : Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly (flat head syndrome),” Plagiocephaly and 
brachycephaly (flat head syndrome), https://111.wales.nhs.uk/plagiocephalyandbrachycephaly(flatheadsyndrome)/ 
(accessed Jul. 12, 2026). 
[2] “Talee® - cranial Remolding orthosis,” Talee, https://www.taleetop.com/can/ (accessed Jul. 12, 2026). 
[3] “Case study: Breathable and lightweight 3D-printed cranial orthosis with PA11 | Arkema High Performance 
Polymers,” Arkema, https://hpp.arkema.com/en/resources/post/hpp/hhp.arkema/3d-printed-cranial-orthosis-withpa11/ (accesse

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