Alveolar bone changes following bi-maxillary vertical molars' movements using clear aligners

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Imaging
• Periodontology

Background:

• Clear aligners are increasingly used for orthodontic treatment.
• Understanding their impact on alveolar bone is crucial for predictable outcomes.
• Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) allows detailed 3D analysis of bone changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate alveolar bone alterations around maxillary and mandibular molars during intrusion and extrusion using Clear Aligners.
• To compare bone changes between intrusion and extrusion movements.
• To identify the most affected surfaces and teeth.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CBCT scans from 24 adult patients treated with Clear Aligners.
• Quantification of alveolar bone changes around 133 molars using specialized software.
• Statistical analysis including paired t-tests and reliability assessments.

Main Results:

• Significant alveolar bone reduction observed on the buccal surface of mandibular molars during extrusion and maxillary molars during intrusion.
• Mandibular molars showed greater buccal bone changes compared to maxillary molars.
• Specific sites like the buccal surface of mandibular first molars and lingual surface of mandibular left first molars exhibited significant changes.

Conclusions:

• The buccal alveolar bone is the most susceptible to changes during Clear Aligner-induced molar intrusion and extrusion.
• Mandibular molars experience more pronounced alveolar bone alterations than maxillary molars.
• These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring of alveolar bone during Clear Aligner therapy.