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Predictability of maxillary transverse changes with Invisalign in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Hou XiangGang1, Qin Jia1, Yang Jie1
1School of Stomatology, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Medicine
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Invisalign shows moderate predictability for adult maxillary transverse expansion, with better results in premolar regions. Canine and molar expansion predictability is lower, requiring cautious interpretation due to evidence limitations.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Maxillary transverse expansion is crucial in adult orthodontics.
- Assessing the predictability of clear aligners like Invisalign is important for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the predictability of Invisalign for maxillary transverse expansion in adult patients.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of six retrospective studies (233 patients) published between 2014 and 2024.
- Searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
- Analyzed predictability in canine, premolar, and molar regions.
Main Results:
- Pooled predictability varied by region: 72.01% (canine), 80.73% (1st premolar), 78.74% (2nd premolar), 71.57% (1st molar).
- Studies in developed countries showed higher predictability (77.22%) than in developing countries (58.53%).
- Canine region predictability had substantial heterogeneity and low-certainty evidence.
Conclusions:
- Invisalign offers moderate predictability for maxillary transverse expansion in adults.
- Premolar regions show the highest predictability; canine and molar regions are less predictable.
- Further prospective studies are needed due to evidence limitations and variability.