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. 2023 Jul 1;93(4):417-426.
doi: 10.2319/101022-694.1.

Insight into clear aligner therapy protocols and preferences among members of the American Association of Orthodontists in the United States and Canada

Sarah Abu-Arqub, Ahmad Ahmida, Lucas Da Cunha Godoy, Chia-Ling Kuo, Madhur Upadhyay, Sumit Yadav

Insight into clear aligner therapy protocols and preferences among members of the American Association of Orthodontists in the United States and Canada

Sarah Abu-Arqub et al. Angle Orthod. .

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate aligner treatment protocols among orthodontists in the United States and Canada and assess the factors influencing clinician choices in aligner systems, treatment protocols, and targeted malocclusions for aligners.

Materials and methods: A validated online questionnaire was developed specifically for this research and consisted of three sections. Section 1 evaluated demographics and experience with aligners. Section 2 assessed patient selection and demands and clinician confidence in treating various malocclusions with aligners. Section 3 evaluated treatment protocols used by clinicians. The American Association of Orthodontists Partners in Research Program distributed the survey via e-mail to active members in the United States and Canada.

Results: A total of 160 providers completed the survey. Aligners were used by 65.00% of respondents, with the Invisalign system the most popular (81.25%). Aligners were mostly used for adults (97.50%). Tipping was ranked as the easiest movement (1.79 ± 1.35). Extrusion (4.34 ± 1.53) and root movement (4.31 ± 1.27) were ranked as the most difficult. Most were confident treating mild (98.8%) and moderate (82.5%) crowded cases, spacing (96.9%), and anterior crossbite (85%). Of the providers, 58.12% recommended aligners to be changed weekly. Respondents who were confident addressing some of the severe malocclusions were more likely to use Invisalign.

Conclusions: Invisalign is the most popular aligner system, and clinicians seem to be confident using it. Providers are aware of the pitfalls of aligners; they find it challenging to perform root movement and extrusion, and they seem confident treating mild to moderate malocclusions. They avoid complex cases with impactions and severe skeletal problems.

Keywords: Clear aligner treatment; Orthodontist.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Association between the confidence in treating severe malocclusions and the aligner system used.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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