[Advantages and disadvantages of clear aligner treatment in orthodontics]

As biomaterial and biomechanics have been growing and developing rapidly, the indication of clear aligner treatment has been broadened from simple crowding or spacing to moderate malocclusion including either extraction or non-extraction cases. Considering the advantage of its prospective three-dimensional digital planning as well as the disadvantage of limited capability of three-dimensional tooth movement control, orthodontists have to be fully aware of the characteristics and weakness of this appliance so as to choose proper indications and achieve good treatment results. Meanwhile, orthodontists also have to play an important role in modifying the three-dimensional digital plan with pouring in their clinical experience on treating cases and estimating different tooth movement efficiency in various kinds of malocclusions.