Resorption of roots in conventional braces versus advanced aligners: A comparative study

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Radiology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• External apical root resorption (EARR) is a frequent complication of orthodontic treatment.
• The comparative risk of EARR between clear aligner systems and conventional fixed appliances is not fully understood.
• Radiographic evaluation is crucial for assessing treatment outcomes and potential side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence and severity of EARR in patients treated with conventional fixed appliances versus modern clear aligner systems.
• To evaluate radiographic alterations in root length associated with different orthodontic treatment modalities.
• To determine if clear aligner therapy offers a reduced risk of EARR compared to traditional braces.

Main Methods:

• Radiographic assessment of root length changes in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
• Comparative analysis of EARR between two distinct patient groups: one using fixed appliances and the other using clear aligners.
• Statistical evaluation of mean root length reduction in both treatment groups.

Main Results:

• Significant EARR was observed in both treatment groups, indicating it is an inherent risk in orthodontic therapy.
• Patients treated with conventional fixed appliances exhibited a greater mean reduction in root length compared to those treated with clear aligners.
• The observed EARR in both groups was generally mild, suggesting manageable clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Clear aligner therapy may present a reduced risk of external apical root resorption compared to conventional fixed orthodontic appliances.
• Orthodontic treatment, regardless of modality, carries a risk of EARR that warrants clinical monitoring.
• Further research into the biomechanical factors influencing EARR with different orthodontic systems is recommended.