Clear Aligners Research Articles

Comparison of Dentoalveolar Expansion with Clear Aligners by Using Two Different Treatment Protocols in the Early Mixed Dentition: A Retrospective Study

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of different expansion protocols on tooth movements during maxillary arch expansion with Invisalign First System® (IFS) in the mixed dentition. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using digital models of 20 patients treated with sequential expansion (MFE, mean age: 7.88±0.60; 9 girls, 11 boys) and 20 patients treated with simultaneous expansion (SIE, mean age: 7.94±0.51; 12 girls, 8 boys) acquired before (T0) and after (T1) treatment. Maxillary parameters were measured on each model at T0 and T1. Mann Whitney U tests were used for comparisons between groups, and Wilcoxon tests were used for the analysis of intra-group. Results: In both groups, the greatest increase of maxillary arch width (AW) was determined at both the cusp tips and gingival levels of the upper first deciduous molars followed by the second deciduous molars and by the deciduous canines (p < 0.01). The lowest increase of AW was found in the at the permanent first molars (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Both protocols with IFS can be considered effective in patients in early mixed dentition. The greatest increase was detected at the level of the upper first deciduous molars, whereas the least increase was observed at the level of the first permanent molars. Key Words: Clear Aligners, Invisalign® First system, Mixed dentition

Influence of pain duration and severity on oral health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction during adult treatment with clear aligners

BackgroundThis study aims to compare the impact of pain on quality of life and patient satisfaction during treatment with aligners.MethodsNinety-four subjects in active treatment were invited to answer self-reported questions concerning pain severity and duration, occurrence of other signs and symptoms, and level of satisfaction with their treatment. Also, the OHIP-14 questionnaire was applied to assess patients’ OHRQoL.ResultsNinety-four patients (49 women and 45 men) answered the survey. Pain duration of 1–3 days was reported by 69.1% of patients (n = 60). For those who reported pain (n = 84), it was considered mild severity by 42.9% and moderate by 52.4%. Almost sixty-four percent of the sample were very satisfied with the aligner’s aesthetics (n = 60) and forty-nine percent were satisfied with treatment in general (n = 46). Mean OHIP-14 score was 3.36 ± 2.54. OHRQoL was significantly associated with pain severity, whereas patients who reported having experienced moderate pain presented a significantly higher mean OHIP-14 score than those who reported having experienced mild pain (3.92 ± 1.93 and 2.69 ± 2.83, respectively; p = 0.036). The “psychological discomfort” OHIP-14’s domain was the most influenced by the level of pain.ConclusionPain severity significantly influenced OHRQoL, in adult patients under treatment with clear aligners. However, high levels of patient satisfaction were reported, regardless of pain duration or severity.

Biomechanics of clear aligner therapy: Assessing the influence of tooth position and flat trimline height in translational movements.

The present clear aligner therapy (CAT) research focuses on isolating and reporting the biomechanical performance for three separate teeth, three translational movements and two flat trimlines at different heights. By identifying key patterns, the research seeks to inform the development of improved aligner designs, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of clinical orthodontic treatments. In an invitro setting using the Orthodontic Force Simulator (OFS), the biomechanical response of 30 aligners was investigated on three different teeth of a straight symmetric maxillary dentition (central incisor, canine and first molar). Each tooth was tested under two flat trimline conditions (trimmed at gingival margin, TL0; extended 2.0 mm below, TL2) and for three types of translational movements (palatal translation, mesial translation and intrusion). Forces and moments were reported at the centre of resistance for each displaced tooth as well as the two neighbouring teeth, evaluating a total of 18 distinct scenarios. Findings indicate significant variability in the biomechanical responses based on tooth location in the arch, trimline height and movement performed. For palatal translations, the palatal force required to perform the movement was observed highest in molar cases, followed by canine and incisor cases, with a notable difference in the distribution of side effects, indicating a strong influence of tooth anatomy and position in the arch. Similarly, in mesial translations and intrusions molars experienced greater forces and moments than the corresponding movements applied on canines and incisors, but uniquely dispersed for each configuration tested. Regarding the shape of the aligner, TL2 consistently showed improved control over orthodontic movements compared to TL0. Neighbouring teeth frequently displayed compensatory reactions up to about half of the intensity observed on the tooth being moved, with notable variations from case to case. This research supports fundamental factors impacting CAT: Characteristic patterns in the direction and intensity of forces and moments are associated with each of the three translational movements tested. Tooth anatomy and arch location significantly influence the biomechanical performance of aligners, with an observed trend for molars to display higher forces and moments over canines and incisors, but distributed differently. The height of a flat trimline, specifically TL2, shows enhanced control over orthodontic movements. Additional findings revealed a compensatory activity of neighbouring teeth, which varies based on tooth region and movement type. It potentially could influence CAT outcomes negatively and merits attention in future investigations. These results support a tailored CAT method that improves aligner design for better force application. This method needs to be used alongside, and confirmed by, clinical knowledge. Future research should extend these findings to a wider range of clinical conditions for greater applicability in the day-to-day orthodontic practice.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Treatment with Conventional Fixed Orthodontic Appliances Versus Clear Aligners in Saudi Arabia: A Multi-Center Cross-sectional Study

Background: This study aimed to compare the treatment progress and complications between patients receiving conventional orthodontic treatment and clear aligners during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed randomly among orthodontic patients in Saudi Arabia to understand how the global health crisis caused by COVID-19 affected orthodontic patients. The survey questions were structured into four sections, including demographic data, continuation of orthodontic follow-up appointments during the COVID-19, reasons for missed appointments, and problems of orthodontic patients. Data analysis consisted of simple descriptive statistics presented in frequency tables and percentages. Statistical significance was set at P≤0.05. Results: A total of 512 electronic responses were received. Sixty-two (12.11%) participants missed no orthodontic follow-up appointment during the COVID-19 lockdown. Hence, the study included 450 (87.89%) participants to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on sustained orthodontic treatment. The proportion of patients in the fixed appliance group (35.2%, 86 patients) who responded that “they had not even once tried to communicate with their orthodontists” was significantly higher than that in the clear aligner group (9.2%, 19 patients) (P<0.001). The proportion of participants who received fixed appliances (62.3%, 152 patients) and disagreed with the lockdown of orthodontic clinics during the COVID-19 was significantly higher than that in clear aligner users (19.4%, 40 patients) (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that most issues were reported by patients who had fixed appliances. Thus, tele-orthodontics could provide a solution to continue dental practice during the COVID-19, and clear aligners are preferable to traditional orthodontic treatment methods.

Efficacy of clear aligner wear protocols in orthodontic tooth movement-a systematic review.

Different expedited aligner wear protocols are currently in practice. This review was undertaken to systematically appraise the available evidence on the comparative efficacy of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) across the different wear protocols. Two assessors conducted comprehensive searches of electronic databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, and Clinical Trial Registry, till 18 February 2024. Titles and abstracts were independently screened. Prospective or retrospective studies comparing expedited wear protocols with the conventional 14-day protocol were included. A pre-piloted data extraction form was used. Risk of bias (RoB) assessment employed the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool for randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for non-RCTs. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Pro tool. Six studies, including 3 RCTs and 3 non-RCTs, were selected from 9076 records. Four studies (two RCTs and two retrospective cohort) found no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the OTM efficacy between expedited and conventional protocols. Two studies (one RCT and one prospective cohort) found greater efficacy (P < 0.05) with the 14-day protocol, with the RCT reporting greater efficacy for certain movements, such as maxillary posterior intrusion, maxillary posterior distal tipping and buccal torquing, and mandibular posterior intrusion and extrusion. One RCT reported statistically insignificant difference (P > 0.05) in pain perception between the 10-day and 14-day protocols. Two studies demonstrated low RoB, two moderate, and two high RoB. The evidence level was very-low for OTM efficacy and high for pain perception. Meta-analysis was precluded due to significant heterogeneity among the studies. Within the limitations of the study, the 7-day, 10-day, and 14-day protocols did not show any significant difference in OTM efficacy, except for certain movements that exhibited superior outcomes with the 14-day wear. Hence, a 'hybrid aligner-wear protocol', based on clinical judgement, might serve a better alternative in complex situations. PROSPERO CRD42021288179.

Clear Aligners in Pediatric Dentistry: A Scoping Review.

Today not just adults but also children are affected by their looks and appearance. Their facial and dentalappearance primarily influence how they present themselves in the outside world. Poor esthetic appearance at any age, especially when it comes to children, affects their psychological status. In earlier times, correction of dentition used to be done withcrude methods, after which came the concept of braces, which were fixed on the labial surfaces. Even with these,the patients are equally concerned with their looks throughout the treatment, and thus neither adults nor children are eager to use the standard metallic-looking orthodontic gear. To tackle this problem, researchers have developed several solutions, andclear aligners are the modern and aesthetic answer. For effective tooth movement into the desired position, thin, transparent, plastic aligners known as invisible aligners are used, which are created using the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology. These aligners are analogous to the splints that cover the clinical crowns as well as the marginal gingiva. The treatment requires proper patient motivation as there can be poor compliance by patients. However, it can offer greater dental hygiene, comfort, and an excellent aesthetic experience during treatment. This review highlights the history of fabrication of clear aligners, examining the efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages of transparent aligners for pediatric patients and also dentists. It weighs aspects like aesthetic appeal, comfort, oral hygiene, treatment predictability, and practice efficiency when comparing transparent aligners, like Invisalign, to conventional orthodontic treatments. It also ascertains the applicability and worth of clear aligners in contemporary orthodontic practice, while examining patient happiness, compliance, and overall treatment results.

Comparison of oral health status, oral hygiene management behaviours and satisfaction of patients with fixed orthodontic appliance and clear aligner: A quasi-experimental design.

This study aimed to determine the overall oral health statuses of patients with fixed orthodontic appliance and clear aligner, as well as their oral hygiene management behaviours and satisfaction. We selected 40 participants (20 each with fixed orthodontic devices and clear aligners) who visited a dental clinic. We conducted a survey to determine the oral hygiene management behaviours of the subjects and their satisfaction with their orthodontic treatment. Three measurements were also conducted at 4-week intervals to determine the oral health statuses of the subjects. The Löe and Silness gingival index of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances indicated moderate gingivitis (1.1 ± 0.3), and those with clear aligners had mild gingivitis (0.6 ± 0.4) (p < 0.001). The modified O'Leary index also indicated that the degree of dental plaque deposition in the oral cavity was lower in patients treated with a clear aligner (43.0 ± 18.2 points) than in those treated with a fixed orthodontic (28.1 ± 10.9 points) (p = 0.004). Regarding oral hygiene management, the fixed orthodontic group received scaling more frequently (p = 0.006), received more oral health education (p < 0.001) and had a longer brushing time (p = 0.008) than the clear aligner group. No significant difference was observed in satisfaction between the fixed orthodontic appliance and the clear aligner. Regarding the oral health status by orthodontic appliance type, the clear aligner group had the advantages of reduction in dental plaque attachment and gingival health. The fixed orthodontic group exhibited better oral hygiene management behaviours. Satisfaction with orthodontic treatment was found to be similar for the two device types.

Orthodontic patient satisfaction: Validation of an Arabic patient satisfaction questionnaire

Objectives: Orthodontic patient satisfaction is a primary aim of orthodontic treatment. Satisfaction is a multidimensional concept, requiring multi-item questionnaires for it to be adequately assessed. A 58-item, orthodontic patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ) was developed to assess orthodontic patient satisfaction. Appropriately adapted assessment tools are needed to assess orthodontics patient satisfaction in different populations. The validity and reliability of such tools should be demonstrated before their use for each target population. The PSQ was yet to be validated in Arabic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to translate, adapt, and validate an Arabic orthodontic PSQ. Material and Methods: The 58-item English PSQ was translated to Arabic through translation and back-translation. An expert panel examined the relevance of PSQ items. The questionnaire was circulated through social media to recruit responses from Arabic-speaking orthodontic patients who completed orthodontic treatment. Cronbach’s alpha, item-total correlation (I-TC), and kappa reliability coefficient were calculated. The analysis of variance test was used to compare satisfaction scores between genders and different orthodontic treatment appliances. Results: Ten items were removed based on expert ratings. The questionnaire was filled by 327 patients (55.6% females, mean age = 28.5 ± 7.2, 59.8% on metal braces, 35.3% on clear aligners, and 5.2% on tooth-colored braces). Nine questionnaire items were removed because of low I-TC (&lt;0.3). The resulting 39-item questionnaire had a Cronbach alpha of 0.79 and a kappa coefficient of 0.82. The mean total PSQ score of the sample was 167.61 ± 21.45. Items with the top ten highest I-TC correlations had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.90. Patients on metal braces had a highest mean total PSQ score (P = 0.004). Among these patients, satisfaction with situational aspects was lower but satisfaction with dentofacial, psychosocial, and dental improvements were all higher compared to other orthodontic treatments (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The 39-item Arabic PSQ is valid and reliable. A shorter collection of 10 items with high validity were identified. Patients on metal braces had better outcomes, driving higher satisfaction. Studies collecting satisfaction data using the PSQ from orthodontic clinics are needed.

Automated placement of dental attachments based on orthodontic pathways

The aesthetic appeal and removability of clear aligners have led to their widespread popularity in orthodontic treatments. Dental attachments significantly contribute to shortening treatment duration and enhancing orthodontic outcomes. The automation of tailor-made dental attachments for individual teeth plays a crucial role in the field of orthodontics. This is because they enable more precise control over the forces applied, thereby effectively facilitating tooth movement. This study introduces an automated algorithm that generates dental attachments based on the orthodontic path. The algorithm automatically selects and places the appropriate type of attachment according to the magnitude of rotation and translation of teeth during orthodontic procedures. It adjusts the position and posture of the attachments to fit the teeth accurately. To validate the effectiveness of automatically placed attachments in guiding teeth along the predetermined path, this study employs finite element analysis to simulate the impact of attachments on teeth. Comparative analyses between the automated method and traditional manual techniques show that the proposed algorithm significantly enhances the precision and efficiency of attachment placement. Additionally, finite element simulations confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach in clinical orthodontic applications, providing a novel technical pathway for automating attachment placement in orthodontic treatments and offering significant practical value for personalized and efficient orthodontic care.

A digitalized analysis of incisal changes among orthodontically treated patients: A retrospective comparative study.

To compare incisor angulation and/or position changes among orthodontically treated patients with metal brackets and clear aligners. A total of sixty-two participants of both sexes, aged-16-40 years old, with CL I skeletal pattern and mild crowding following strict eligibility criteria were included. The patients were divided into two groups based on their treatment approach. Pre and post lateral cephalograms were collected from Riyadh Elm University (REU) and then digitally analyzed using WEBCEPH (Medical Image Analysis) software. Eight angular and two linear measurements were used for the assessment. The upper incisor angulation and position showed statistically significant differences when orthodontic clear aligners were used. In contrast, no significant difference was observed with the conventional orthodontic treatment. However, the upper incisal palatal root torque decreased after clear aligner therapy compared to conventional treatment. The inter-incisal angle demonstrated a significant increase with clear aligners compared to conventional treatment. The current study revealed the importance of definitive guidelines upon and after treatment, in addition to determining incisor changes. Orthodontic clear aligners are distinct from conventional treatments in controlling the incisors' angulation and position. The expansion treatment modality precedes Interproximal reduction in increasing the arch perimeter.

Biomechanical effects of clear aligner with different shape design at extraction space area during anterior teeth retraction.

This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of clear aligner (CA) with different shape designs at extraction space (CAES) area during space closing. A finite-element method (FEM) model of mandibular dentition, periodontal ligaments, attachments, and corresponding CA was established. The connecting rod design of CAES was modelled for the control group. Eight test groups with different heights of CAES from -4 mm to +4 mm were designed. Tooth displacement tendencies were calculated. The maximum principal stress in PDLs, teeth, and CAs was analysed. Both global coordinate system and local coordinate system were also used to evaluate individual tooth movements. Across all groups, stresses concentrated on the lingual outer surface of CAESs. For the lowered CAES groups, both the stress value and the stress distribution area at CAESs were increased. The lowered CAES groups showed reduced movement in anterior teeth and less tipping tendency of the canines. The shape of CAES has a biomechanical impact on anterior teeth movement and should be considered in aligner design. The results suggest that increasing the height of CAES can enhance anterior teeth retraction, while lowered CAES may facilitate controlled root movement. Changes in the shape of CAES represent a potential direction for biomechanical improvement of clear aligner in extraction cases and are worth exploring.

In vitro study examines posterior torque impact on 3D mechanics of anterior teeth in clear aligner treatment

IntroductionThis study utilizes investigate the impact of posterior torques on the three-dimensional force exerted on the lower anterior teeth during the retraction in orthodontic clear aligners treatment.MethodsFour groups of mandibular dental arch light-cured resin models will be created, including: mandibular posterior teeth with standard torque, mandibular posterior teeth with labial torque, and mandibular posterior teeth with lingual torque. Each group will consist of 12 sets of clear aligners. The aligners will be worn, and measurements will be taken using the six-axis measurement platform to evaluate the three-dimensional force exerted on the lower anterior teeth under various initial torques applied to the mandibular posterior teeth. SPSS 26.0 used for ANOVA analysis, α = 0.05 significance level.ResultsComparing mandibular posterior teeth with standard torque to those with labial torque, no statistically significant changes were observed in buccolingual force. In the mesiodistal direction, mandibular incisors exhibited a significant decrease in distal force, while canines showed a significant increase. Both findings had a significance level of P < 0.05; Lingual torque on mandibular posterior teeth, compared to standard torque, led to a significant increase in lingual force for incisors and a significant increase in labial force for canines in the buccolingual direction (P < 0.05). Additionally, mandibular incisors exhibited a significant decrease in distal force in the mesiodistal direction (P < 0.05).ConclusionVarying initial torques on mandibular posterior teeth significantly impact force on lower anterior teeth. Labial torque reduces lingual force on incisors and increases distal force on canines. Lingual torque increases lingual force on incisors and labial force on canines.

Effect of thermomechanical aging on force system of orthodontic aligners made of different thermoformed materials : An in vitro study.

The aim was to investigate the effect of aging by thermocycling and mechanical loading on forces and moments generated by orthodontic clear aligners made from different thermoplastic materials. Atotal of 25thermoformed aligners made from 5different materials, i.e., Essix ACE® and Essix® PLUS™ (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany), Invisalign® (Align Technology, San Jose, CA, USA), Duran®+ (Iserlohn, Germany), Zendura™ (Fremont, CA, USA), underwent a14-day aging protocol involving mechanical loading (a0.2 mm vestibular malalignment of the upper left second premolar [tooth25]) and thermocycling in deionized water (temperature range 5-55 °C). The 3D forces/moments exerted on tooth25 of aresin model were measured at three time points: before aging (day0), after 2days and after 14days of aging. Before aging, extrusion-intrusion forces were 0.6-3.0 N, orovestibular forces were 1.7-2.3 N, and moments as mesiodistal rotation were 0.3-42.1 Nmm. In all directions, multilayer Invisalign® exhibited the lowest force/moment magnitudes. After aging, all materials showed asignificant force/moment decay within the first 2days, except Invisalign® for orovestibular and vertical translation. However, following thermomechanical aging, Duran®+ and Zendura™ aligners had equivalent or even higher vestibular forces (direction of mechanical load). Thermomechanical aging significantly reduced forces and moments during the first 48 h. Multilayer aligner materials exhibit lower initial forces and moments than single-layer ones, and were less influenced by aging. Material hardening was observed after subjecting some of the aligner materials to mechanical loading. Thus, orthodontists should be aware of possible deterioration of orthodontic aligners over time. This work also sheds light on how material selection impacts the mechanical behavior of aligners and may provide valuable guidance regarding optimal timing for the aligner changing protocol.

Clear aligners for class III malocclusion and severe open bite camouflage: A case report

Clear aligners for class III malocclusion and severe open bite camouflage: A case report

Enhancing Surgical Outcomes via Three-Dimensional-Assisted Techniques Combined with Orthognathic Treatment: A Case Series Study of Skeletal Class III Malocclusions

(•) Orthognathic surgery is a necessary procedure for the correction of severe skeletal discrepancies, among which are skeletal Class III malocclusions. Currently, both conventional fixed braces and clear aligners can be used in orthognathic surgery. However, the use of clear aligners remains a little-chosen option. The present study aimed to evaluate the skeletal and aesthetic improvements in adults with Class III malocclusion after surgical treatment and compare the results achieved by fixed appliances versus clear aligners. The study sample included four patients (three males and one female, aged 18 to 34 years) with skeletal Class III malocclusion, three of whom underwent a bimaxillary surgery and one of whom underwent only a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Two patients were treated with fixed appliances and two with clear aligners. The pre- and post-surgical hard and soft tissue cephalometric measurements were performed and compared for each patient and between fixed appliances and clear aligners. One year after surgery, all patients showed an essential modification of the face’s middle and lower third with an increase in the convexity of the profile and the Wits index and a reduction in the FH^NB angle. No differences were noted between fixed appliances and aligners. Therefore, thanks to the 3D-assisted surgery associated with orthodontics, every participant achieved proper occlusal function and an improved facial aesthetics. In addition, the clear aligners can be considered a valid alternative for pre- and post-surgical orthodontic treatment.

Incidence, severity, and risk factors for white spot lesions in adolescent patients treated with clear aligners.

This study was aimed to clarify the incidence, severity, and clinical risk factors for white spot lesions (WSLs) in adolescent patients treated with clear aligners. Pre-treatment and post-treatment intraoral photographs of 203 adolescent patients undergoing clear aligner therapy were retrospectively evaluated to assess the occurrence and severity of WSLs. Information on patients' general oral condition and orthodontic treatment was collected from clinical medical documents, retrospective questionnaires, and ClinCheck® software. Independent risk factors and model performance were determined by multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Thirty-five percent of adolescent patients developed WSLs during clear aligner treatment. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of WSLs before treatment (OR 2.484, 95% CI 1.245-4.957), frequency of drinking carbonated beverages (OR 1.508, 95% CI 1.045-2.177), and number of anterior attachments (OR 2.192, 95% CI 1.502-3.198) were risk factors for the occurrence of WSLs in adolescent patients treated with clear aligners (P < .05), whereas the number of times they brushed each day (OR 0.656, 95% CI 0.454-0.947) and frequency of aligner cleaning after eating while wearing them (OR 0.611, 95% CI 0.433-0.861) were protective factors against WSLs (P < .05). The incidence of WSLs was high in adolescent patients treated with clear aligners. Few brushings each day, pre-treatment WSLs, a high frequency of drinking carbonated beverages, a low frequency of aligner cleaning after eating while wearing them, and a high number of anterior attachments are strongly associated with the development of WSLs in adolescent patients treated with clear aligners.

The Application of Intraoral Scanners in Orthodontic Care for Adolescents with Disabilities

Access to dental services for young disabled patients is challenging and expensive, often necessitating treatment under general anesthesia. Additionally, ensuring accuracy during impression-taking procedures can be very difficult or outright impossible using traditional methods. Newly developed systems for capturing three-dimensional images of the oral cavity can facilitate the treatment of patients with disabilities. The research aimed to assess the timing of intraoral scanning using a scanner in orthodontic treatment, comparing disabled patients undergoing clear aligner therapy with their healthy counterparts. Scanning times were compared in two patient groups. Group I comprised patients with a certificate of disability, while Group II (control) consisted of patients without a certificate of disability. Maxillary and mandibular scans, as well as bite registration, were performed with the intraoral scanner. The mean scanning time in study Group I was 8.59 min, while in control Group II, it was 5.71 min. The results demonstrated statistical significance, reaching a significance level of p &lt; 0.001. The scanning of disabled patients proved to be more challenging and time-consuming compared to patients in the control group. Consequently, doctors must consider the need to allocate more time to a disabled person during a visit. Despite the difficulties, disabled patients accepted this method of bite scanning. There was no need to carry out such a procedure under general anesthesia. This confirms that scanning should be the preferred method in orthodontic treatment for disabled patients.

Impact of clear aligners on plaque and periodontal health

In recent years, clear aligners have become a well-liked substitute for traditional braces in orthodontic treatment. Examining the effects of clear aligners on periodontal health and plaque accumulation is the goal of this review. To examine pertinent studies that have been published up to this point, a comprehensive evaluation of the literature was carried out. The review includes research on the microbial alterations in tooth plaque composition that occur during clear aligner therapy and the subsequent impact on periodontal tissues. Clear aligners and traditional braces are also compared with respect to how they affect gingival health, periodontal disease prevalence, and oral hygiene practices.In terms of plaque control, the results imply that transparent aligners offer special benefits and challenges. An important factor influencing the microbiological environment in the oral cavity is patient compliance, the type of aligner used, and the subtleties of its design. Moreover, the effect of orthodontic therapies on periodontal health is explored, providing insight into possible associations between the use of clear aligners and periodontal results. By underlining the necessity of individualized oral hygiene management strategies during clear aligner therapy, this review offers orthodontic practitioners’ insightful information. It highlights the need of maintaining periodontal health throughout orthodontic treatment and stresses the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes. In summary, this comprehensive review provides an overview of the most recent findings regarding the impact of clear aligners on plaque and periodontal health. By teaching clinicians, researchers, and patients about the subtleties of oral hygiene care during orthodontic treatment, the findings are meant to direct the development of effective strategies for maintaining good periodontal health in patients getting clear aligner therapy.

Simplifying digital planning with clear aligners: A review

Clear aligners are a revolutionary orthodontic solution that has transformed the way people approach tooth movement. Unlike traditional braces with conspicuous metal brackets and wires, clear aligners are nearly invisible, providing a discreet and aesthetically pleasing option for those seeking orthodontic treatment. These custom-made, transparent trays are crafted through a process involving modern techniques and technology. This review offers a detail of the virtual setup and role of attachments, auxiliaries etc. and what all goes into achieving desired results from clear aligners.

Duration of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners versus fixed appliances in crowding cases: a systematic review.

To critically appraise and assess the currently observed evidence about the difference in orthodontic treatment duration between clear aligners and fixed appliances in crowding cases. An electronic search without limitations was conducted from inception to June 2023 covering nine databases: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Trip, CINAHL via EBSCO, EMBASE via OVID and ProQuest. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and matched non-randomized studies were included in this systematic review. Risk of Bias was assessed via Cochrane's tool (RoB 2) for RCTs and ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was employed to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Out of the 3537 articles initially identified, ten eligible studies were included in this systematic review; six were RCTs. Only one study offered extraction-based treatment, while the other nine adopted non-extraction treatments. According to the GRADE, there is low evidence that treatment duration in mild to moderate crowding cases with clear aligners is similar to that in fixed orthodontic appliances. Meta-analysis was not administered due to high inconsistency. Based on currently available information, there was no significant difference in the treatment duration between the CA and FA groups in mild to moderate crowding cases. Further well-performed RCTs, especially in severe cases, are required. Time efficiency is an essential outcome measure for clinical orthodontic practice. While the type of appliance used is a critical determinant of treatment duration, orthodontists should be aware of other factors that can significantly impact treatment time, such as patient and treatment-related factors.