WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT CLEAR ALIGNERS

What_We_Know_About_Clear_Alignersapak

CLINICAL EFFICIENCY,EFFECTIVENESS AND PREDICTABILITY IN CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY

Soukrie Sekertzi

İstanbul Beykent University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics, İstanbul, Türkiye

Sekertzi S. Biomechanical Considerations in Clear Aligner Treatments. In: Hancıoğlu Kırcelli B, editor. What We Know About Clear Aligners 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.41-48.

ABSTRACT

Aesthetic concerns have significantly increased interest in orthodontic treatments, making clear aligners a widely preferred alternative to traditional braces. Clear aligners offer a more comfortable, aesthetic treatment option, making them especially popular among adult patients.

This book chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the clinical efficiency, effectiveness and predictability of clear aligner therapy. The evolution from first-generation aligners to today’s advanced technologies is explored, along with the physical and biomechanical properties of aligner materials. While studies indicate that clear aligners are effective in treating mild to moderate malocclusions, challenges remain in achieving vertical movements, rotations and complex orthodontic corrections.

The use of optimized attachments, interproximal reduction (IPR) and elastics has been shown to improve treatment outcomes. However, clinical studies reveal that planned virtual simulations do not always correspond precisely with real tooth movements, with a discrepancy of approximately 41%. Thus, patient compliance, the expertise of the orthodontist and the accuracy of treatment planning algorithms play crucial roles in determining success rates.

Future advancements in Artificial Intelligence-driven treatment planning, improved biomaterials and enhanced force application techniques may further improve the effectiveness of clear aligners. Continuous research and technological innovations will be key to establishing clear aligners as the gold standard in orthodontics.

Keywords: Clear aligners; Orthodontic treatment; Clinical efficiency; Biomechanics; Digital orthodontics

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