Clear Aligners and Smart Eye Tracking Technology as a New Communication Strategy between Ethical and Legal Issues

Abstract

Smart eye-tracking technology (SEET) that determines visual attention using smartphones can be used to determine the aesthetic perception of different types of clear aligners. Its value as a communication and comprehension tool, in addition to the ethical and legal concerns which it entails, can be assessed. One hundred subjects (50 F, 50 M; age range 15–70) were equally distributed in non-orthodontic (A) and orthodontic (B) groups. A smartphone-based SEET app assessed their knowledge of and opinions on aligners. Subjects evaluated images of smiles not wearing aligners, with/without attachments and with straight/scalloped gingival margins, as a guided calibration step which formed the image control group. Subsequently, the subjects rated the same smiles, this time wearing aligners (experimental images group). Questionnaire data and average values for each group of patients, and images relating to fixation times and overall star scores, were analyzed using these tests: chi-square, t-test, Mann–Whitney U, Spearman’s rho, and Wilcoxon (p < 0.05). One-way ANOVA and related post-hoc tests were also applied. Orthodontic patients were found to be better informed than non-orthodontic patients. Aesthetic perception could be swayed by several factors. Attachments scored lower in aesthetic evaluation. Lips distracted attention from attachments and improved evaluations. Attachment-free aligners were better rated overall. A more thorough understanding as to the opinions, expectations and aesthetic perception of aligners can improve communication with patients. Mobile SEET is remarkably promising, although it does require a careful medicolegal risk–benefit assessments for responsible and professional use.

The Power of Customized Clear Aligners in Closing Molar Edentulous Spaces: Clinical and Medico-Legal Considerations in a Scoping Review and Case Report

“…CAs are in great demand even for cases considered complex by expert orthodontists [ 1 , 2 , 5 , 7 ]. Their popularity is linked to esthetics and convenience for the patient [ 1 , 3 ]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, aligners allowed simpler remote controls, faster control sessions and good performance of therapies despite restrictions and lockdowns [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

“…Treatments with clear aligners (CAs) have become very popular over time, thanks to their comfort, esthetics and improved oral hygiene [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Compared to fixed appliances, they have a different biomechanical system, which affects their ability to obtain programmed dental movements.…”

“…Clinicians can pre-emptively evaluate therapeutic feasibility. Through CA setups, patients have a tool for perception and awareness of what may be their expectations for treatment results [ 3 , 7 , 24 ]. At a time when therapies are increasingly personalized and tailored to each patient’s multifactorial characteristics, and the devices used are highly customized, such aspects should not be underestimated.…”

The Use of Eye-Tracking Technology in Dento-Maxillofacial Esthetics: A Systematic Review

“…The pooled findings of our study are presented in the Results section and Supplemental Digital Content 1, Tables (http://links.lww.com/SCS/F877). 6–29 This study adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 30 …”

Effect of clear aligner type on maxillary full-arch intrusion: 3D analysis using finite element method

“…Clear aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional fixed appliances, particularly for orthodontic patients seeking more esthetic treatments [ 10 ]. They offer advantages in terms of both the esthetic treatment process and quality of life when compared to traditional fixed appliances [ 11 – 13 ].…”