Quantifying Root Resorption on the Incisors After Clear Aligner and Fixed Appliance Therapy Using Artificial...

To quantify external apical root resorption (EARR) on the incisors following non-extraction treatment of Class I malocclusion patients with moderate crowding, comparing clear aligners and fixed appliances using a novel 3D analysis of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) derived surface models.

In this randomized clinical trial, 32 adult patients, mean age 22.3 years, mean treatment duration 24.2 months, with Class I malocclusion and moderate crowding (mean Little's Index 4.76 mm) were allocated to either clear aligner (n = 15) or fixed appliance (n = 17) treatment. CBCT scans were obtained before and after treatment. EARR was measured using surface-based analysis of 3D models, and associations with patient and treatment-related factors were tested.

The overall median EARR was -0.72 mm, with no significant difference between clear aligners (-0.71 mm) and fixed appliances (-0.72 mm). Upper lateral incisors exhibited significantly greater EARR than lower incisors (p = 0.002) and upper central incisors (p < 0.001). No significant predictor for EARR was found considering age, sex, crowding severity or treatment duration.

EARR occurred following non-extraction treatment of Class I malocclusion with both clear aligners and fixed appliances, with no significant difference between appliance types. Upper lateral incisors were most susceptible to EARR. The novel 3D analysis enabled comprehensive quantification of total EARR, setting a new methodological standard. Monitoring root health during treatment is important, particularly for upper lateral incisors.