Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:32
Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
1.8K
A pilot study comparing virtual treatment setups among clear aligner companies.
Vicente Telles1, Claudia Trindade Mattos2, Flavio Copello3
1University of Maryland Baltimore, Dental School, Department of Orthodontics (Baltimore, USA).
Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics
|October 23, 2025
Summary
Clear aligner companies show variations in virtual treatment setups, impacting treatment planning. Differences were noted in aligner and attachment numbers, and canine relationships.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Clear aligner therapy is a popular orthodontic treatment.
- Virtual treatment planning is crucial for predictable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare virtual treatment setups from four clear aligner companies.
- To assess how company-specific features influence treatment planning.
Main Methods:
- Ten patient records were submitted to Invisalign®, ClearCorrect®, 3M™ Clarity™, and Spark™.
- Standardized prescriptions ensured comparable treatment plans.
- Evaluated aligner count, attachments, interproximal reduction, incisor movement, canine/molar relationships, and arch widths.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed in aligner count (p=0.003), attachment count (p<0.001), and final canine relationship (p=0.013).
- ClearCorrect® used fewest aligners/attachments; 3M™ Clarity™ used most.
- ClearCorrect® and Spark™ had planning deficiencies for Class I canine relationships.
Conclusions:
- Each clear aligner company employs distinct virtual treatment planning strategies.
- Variations exist in treatment approaches, affecting outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Crossover Experiments
Crossover experiments, also called the repeated-measurements design, is a study design in which all experimental units are exposed to all treatments in different periods. Crossover experiments are generally used in psychology, the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, and medicine.
Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.
Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.
01:14Mechanical Efficiency of Real Machines
The mechanical efficiency of a machine is a fundamental concept that describes how effectively a machine can convert input work into output work. According to this concept, the efficiency of a machine is equal to the ratio of the output work to the input work. An ideal machine, meaning a machine that has no energy losses, has an efficiency of one. This implies that the input work and the output work are equal.
However, in reality, no machine can be truly ideal, and all of them experience some...
However, in reality, no machine can be truly ideal, and all of them experience some...
01:19Machines
Machines are complex structures consisting of movable, pin-connected multi-force members that work together to transmit forces. One example of a machine is the cutting plier, which is used to cut wires by applying forces to its handles. When equal and opposite forces are exerted on the handles of the cutting plier, they cause the cutting edges to come together and apply equal and opposite reaction forces on the wire, which are greater than the applied forces.
A free-body diagram of the...
A free-body diagram of the...
01:20Parallel Processing
The brain processes sensory information rapidly due to parallel processing, which involves sending data across multiple neural pathways at the same time. This method allows the brain to manage various sensory qualities, such as shapes, colors, movements, and locations, all concurrently. For instance, when observing a forest landscape, the brain simultaneously processes the movement of leaves, the shapes of trees, the depth between them, and the various shades of green. This enables a quick and...