J Korean Dent Sci.  2023 Dec;16(2):115-127. 10.5856/JKDS.2023.16.2.115.

Clear Aligner Therapy: Evidence, Eloquence and Reality

• Vaid NR
• Adel SM

• KMID: 2549607
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5856/JKDS.2023.16.2.115

Abstract

The demand for orthodontic clear aligner therapy (CAT) has increased significantly over the last decade, offering advantages over the fixed appliances (FA) including enhanced aesthetics, better hygiene and comfort, along with minimal restrictions on the patient’s diet. Moreover, a marked improvement in the efficacy of tooth movement using aligners has been documented. On the contrary, there have been known limitations of CAT including the compliances issues and the apparent lack of efficacy for certain types of tooth movement such as closure of extraction space compared to FA. Thus, evidence-based evaluation of the accuracy of prediction of tooth movement with clear aligners and their ability to effectively perform major tooth and root movements compared to FA are crucial. Although several systematic reviews have investigated various aspects of the effectiveness of CAT, we are yet to obtain a rather conclusive answer to this question. The current review attempted to summarize the evidence-based findings of most systematic reviews about CAT available to date. Major issues regarding the predictability of tooth movement, the role of attachments and auxiliaries in improving the effectiveness of CAT, and the treatment outcomes in comparison to FA were investigated. Clinical recommendation have been also elaborated based on the interpretation of the findings of all systematic reviews included in this study.

Keyword

Clear aligner therapy; Evidence-based; Fixed appliances; Predictability; Systematic reviews