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Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
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Predictability of crowding resolution in clear aligner treatment
Adriana Fiori1, Giuseppe Minervini1, Ludovica Nucci2
1Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80138, Naples, Italy.
Progress in Orthodontics
|November 27, 2022
Summary
Clear aligner treatment effectively resolves crowding, but planned virtual arch forms don't always match final outcomes. Enamel interproximal reduction (IPR) is the least predictable space-gaining method.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Assessing clear aligner treatment predictability for crowding resolution.
- Evaluating space-gaining strategies during orthodontic treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the predictability of crowding resolution with clear aligners.
- To assess the efficacy of different space-gaining techniques, including incisor repositioning, arch dimension changes, and enamel interproximal reduction (IPR).
Main Methods:
- 10 clinicians recruited, 40 patients (80 arches) treated with clear aligners and manual stripping analyzed.
- Arch measurements taken at baseline (T0), virtual planning (vT1), and post-treatment (T1) using Orthoanalyzer software.
- Evaluated Little's Irregularity Index, arch widths, incisor position, arch length, and IPR accuracy.
Main Results:
- High predictability for overall crowding resolution (87% upper, 81% lower arch).
- Sagittal incisor movement predictability was 70% (both arches).
- Arch diameter changes showed variable predictability (49-83%), while IPR was least predictable (49% upper, 42% lower).
Conclusions:
- Clear aligner treatment demonstrates high predictability for resolving dental crowding.
- Discrepancies exist between digitally planned virtual arch forms (vT1) and actual post-treatment arch forms (T1).
- Enamel interproximal reduction (IPR) is the least predictable space-gaining method, potentially due to operator dependency.
