Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2025
Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
Association between nonextraction clear aligner therapy and alveolar bone dehiscences and fenestrations in adults
Diaa Ossama Allahham1, Elli Anna Kotsailidi2, Abdul Basir Barmak3
1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY.
Introduction:
This study aimed to assess the association between nonextraction clear aligner therapy (CAT) and the presence of alveolar bone dehiscences (ABDs) and fenestrations (ABFs) in adults with mild-to-moderate crowding.
Methods:
Cone-beam computed tomography images from 29 adults were obtained before and immediately after nonextraction CAT. Total root lengths were evaluated in axial and cross-sectional slices. Linear measurement for dehiscence (LM-D) was defined as the distance between the alveolar crest to the cementoenamel junction of each root (critical point set at 2 mm). Linear measurement for fenestration (LM-F) was recorded when the defect involved only the apical one-third of a root (critical point set at 2.2 mm). Counts of ABDs/ABFs and magnitudes of LM-Ds/LM-Fs were recorded before and immediately after nonextraction CAT at buccal and lingual root surfaces. Binary logistic regression analyses and repeated measures analyses of variance were performed.
Results:
Counts of ABDs/ABFs and magnitudes of LM-Ds/LM-Fs increased at most jaw locations and root surfaces. Nonextraction CAT was associated with an increased presence of ABDs and ABFs. Nonextraction CAT was associated with a higher magnitude of LM-Ds but not LM-Fs.
Conclusions:
Immediate posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography scans showed that nonextraction CAT is associated with increased ABDs and ABFs in adults with mild-to-moderate crowding.
