Clinical guidelines and planning for orthodontic-surgical treatment using clear aligners

Orthognathic surgery, a well-established procedure for correcting significant skeletal imbalances, addresses both aesthetic and functional concerns. Traditionally, fixed orthodontic appliances have been preferred due to their effectiveness in managing dental movements and ensuring postoperative stability. However, the increasing demand for more aesthetic and comfortable options has led to the growing use of clear aligners, even in complex surgical cases. Although aligners present some limitations, such as reduced control over certain dental movements and the need for greater patient compliance, they offer notable advantages in terms of comfort and aesthetics. Similar to fixed appliances, the successful integration of aligners with orthognathic surgery requires meticulous planning and close coordination between the orthodontist and surgeon.

This article provides detailed guidelines for professionals on planning and executing orthodontic-surgical treatments using clear aligners, covering both conventional and surgery-first approaches. Clinical examples will illustrate the aesthetic and functional benefits, as well as key technical challenges in daily practice.