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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
Comparison of temporary skeletal anchorage device-assisted maxillary molar distalization between clear aligners and
Linwei Li1, Runzhi Guo1, Yiping Huang1
1From the Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Few studies compare the efficacy of clear aligner therapy (CAT) vs fixed appliance therapy (FAT) for maxillary molar distalization. Therefore, this study evaluated temporary skeletal anchorage device-assisted outcomes of both modalities using cone-beam computed tomography.
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed pretreatment and posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography scans of 32 patients (16 patients with CAT and 16 patients with FAT) to assess tooth movement, dental arch, as well as morphologic changes in the dental arch and alveolar bone after temporary skeletal anchorage device-assisted maxillary molar distalization.
Results:
Maxillary first molar distalization efficacy was significantly higher in the FAT group (88.49%; achieved = 1.97; predicted = 2.31 mm) than in the CAT group (37.97%; achieved = 0.94; predicted = 2.62 mm). However, the achieved incisor retraction showed no significant intergroup difference (P = 0.270). The additional space for anterior retraction in the CAT group was likely facilitated by interproximal reduction, insufficient incisor inclination, a flattened sagittal occlusal curve, and altered arch morphology.
Conclusions:
Fixed appliances were significantly more effective for maxillary molar distalization compared with clear aligners. To compensate for this limitation, CAT relies on alternative mechanisms to create additional space. Therefore, enhanced anchorage control is crucial in CAT to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize periodontal risks.
