Abstract

The Quest for Excellence and Clear Aligner Treatments: the Far Side of the Moon

by D'Antò Vincenzo

In the last decades there has been a significant increase in the use of clear aligners for the treatment of malocclusions in adults and children. Despite the fact that orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is a quickly growing sector, there is still insufficient evidence with regard to the effectiveness and stability of the treatment compared with conventional brackets. The two main domains for implementing reliable protocols to treat malocclusions according to diagnosis are the development of a proper staging and the study of biomechanics in order to deliver desired force systems. At the same time, the development and integration of skeletal anchorage devices has provided new possibilities to overcome the limits of traditional mechanics, reducing the need for patient compliance and simplifying the management of complex cases. The aim of this lecture will be to analyze indications and limits of a clear aligner therapy in contemporary clinical orthodontics, bridging the gap between scientific and clinical evidence.

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to understand indications and contraindications of clear aligner treatments.
After this lecture, you will be able to analyze when aligners might be very indicated for orthodontic treatment mechanics.
After this lecture, you will be able to know the state of art of finishing with clear aligners.