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Updated: Jul 3, 2025
Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
Impact of molar teeth distalization by clear aligners on maxillary alveolar bone thickness and root resorption: a
Naseem Ali Al-Worafi1, Bowen Zheng1, Leena Ali Al-Warafi2
1Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Clinical Medical Research Center of Orthodontic Disease, Shenyang 110002, P.R. China.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of molar teeth distalization movement by clear aligners on changes in the alveolar bone thickness and orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) in maxillary molars using conebeam computed tomography (CBCT).
Materials And Methods:
Three-dimensional CBCT scans of 35 adult patients (one hundred forty maxillary molars) with pre-designed selection criteria and a mean age of 24.4 ± 7.1 years were included. The measured parameters, including alveolar bone thickness for maxillary molars and root resorption (OIIRR), were analyzed using pre-and post-treatment CBCT (T0 and T1, respectively) with Invivo 6.0 software.
Result:
Post-treatment, relevant statistically significant changes included deposition of bone in the average palatal surface of the 1st molars. The reduction of bone was seen in the average buccal surface of the first molars and both surfaces of the second molars. Regarding root length after treatment, the average maxillary 1st molar roots showed significant OIIRR (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Clear aligner treatment could effectively reduce the incidence of alveolar bone thickness reduction and OIIRR in treating Class II malocclusions compared to conventional braces, as shown in previous studies. This research will aid in fully grasping the benefits of clear aligners.
