The Predictability of Transverse Changes in Patients Treated with Clear Aligners

Arch expansion might be used to correct buccal corridors, improve smile aesthetics, resolve dental cross bite, and gain space to resolve crowding. In clear aligner treatment, the predictability of the expansion is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictability of dentoalveolar expansion and molar inclination with clear aligners. In the study, 30 adult patients (27 ± 6.1 years old) treated with clear aligners were selected (treatment time: 8.8 ± 2.2 months). The upper and lower arch transverse diameters were measured for canines, first and second premolars, and first molars on two different sides (gingival margins and cusp tips); moreover, molar inclination was measured. A paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare prescription (planned movement) and achieved movement. In all cases, except for molar inclination, a statistically significant difference was found between achieved movement and prescription (p < 0.05). Our findings showed a total accuracy of 64% for the lower arch, 67% at the cusp level, and 59% at the gingival level, with a total accuracy of 67% for the upper arch, 71% at the cusp level, and 60% at the gingival level. The mean accuracy for molar inclination was 40%. Average expansion was greater at cusps of canines than for premolars, and it was lowest for molars. The expansion achieved with aligners is mainly due to the tipping of the crown rather than bodily movement of the tooth. The virtual plan overestimates the expansion of the teeth; thus, it is reasonable to plan an overcorrection when the arches are highly contracted.