Clear Aligners: Where are we today? A narrative review

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this review article is to discuss the current role of Clear Aligners in treating various malocclusions and the effectiveness of aligners when compared with braces using recent literature. Materials and Methods: Literatures pertaining to production of aligners, efficacy and treatment outcome of aligners, root resorption in aligners, periodontal health during aligner treatment, and comfort levels during aligner treatment were reviewed from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases and included selected systematic reviews. Results: The literature cited during the initial days of aligners showed contrasting results when compared with articles cited recently. It was mainly observed in improvement in the scope of treating various malocclusions. However, the results show that aligners still do not possess the ability to create an extensive range of movements when compared with braces. Conclusion: Despite the claims, evidence for the effectiveness of clear aligners is generally lacking. In mild-to-moderate instances, shorter treatment duration and chair time appear to be the only substantial benefits of transparent aligners over conventional systems supported by current evidence. Advantages of clear aligner therapy were reported for better aesthetics, comfort at an early stage, easier oral hygiene maintenance, and improved periodontal health. Based on the available evidence, clear aligner therapy is definitely effective in managing minor malocclusion and shows acceptable results with moderate malocclusion.