Clear Aligners Generations and Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Abstract

Clear aligner technology has evolved over the last 15 years, with these appliances continually being modified to increase the range of tooth movements that they can achieve. However, there is very little clinical research available to show how these appliances achieve their results. This article describes the different generations of clear aligners that are available and highlights their use. However, until more clinical research becomes available, aligners cannot be routinely prescribed as an effective alternative to fixed labial appliances.

A randomized clinical trial comparing mandibular incisor proclination produced by fixed labial appliances and clear aligners

“…[1][2][3][4] Over the years, these appliances have evolved in an attempt to achieve improved tooth alignment and occlusion. 5 The first generation aligners were solely reliant on the removable appliance to move teeth. Following this, a second generation of aligner depended more on attachments being bonded to teeth.…”

Befestigungsmöglichkeiten von Brackets und Attachments in der Kieferorthopädie

“…Neben dem kompletten Outsourcing der Aligner-Planung und -Herstellung kann der Workflow mithilfe entsprechender Software und 3D-Druckverfahren auch in der Praxis realisiert werden [49]. Um komplizierte Zahnbewegungen vornehmen zu können, ist es grundsätzlich empfehlenswert mit Komposit-Attachments zu arbeiten (▶Abb.7) [50]. Hier stellen sich zwei grundsätzliche Fragen: Welches Material soll für die Attachments verwendet werden?…”

An objective system for appraising clear aligner treatment difficulty: clear aligner treatment complexity assessment tool

“…Recent years has witnessed a dramatic evolution of clear aligner technology and numerous innovations have been built into clear aligners (1). Compared with traditional brackets and wires, clear aligner appeals to orthodontic patients for its advantages of invisibility, comfort and esthetics (2)(3)(4).…”