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Patient experiences with clear aligners: a scoping review.
Hannah Chong1, Joshua Peh1, Tony Weir1
1Orthodontic Unit, Adelaide Dental School, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, The University of Adelaide, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
European Journal of Orthodontics
|April 16, 2025
Summary
Clear aligner therapy (CAT) offers aesthetic benefits but may cause temporary issues with oral health-related quality of life, pain, anxiety, and speech. Understanding these patient experiences is key for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is an aesthetic alternative to fixed appliance therapy (FAT).
- Understanding patient experiences with CAT is crucial for clinical management and patient education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map and synthesize the available evidence on patient experiences with clear aligner therapy (CAT).
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Searches were performed across multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source) and grey literature.
- Data were collated and synthesized using descriptive and tabular formats.
Main Results:
- 37 studies were included in the review, encompassing various study designs.
- Patient experiences with CAT were evaluated concerning Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL) and satisfaction.
- The most frequently studied impacts of CAT on OHRQOL were pain, speech, eating, anxiety, and sleep.
Conclusions:
- Patients are generally satisfied with the aesthetics of clear aligners.
- Transient negative effects on OHRQOL, pain, anxiety, and speech are common after initiating CAT.
- Further longitudinal research with qualitative tools is needed to deepen understanding of CAT patient experiences.
