Three-dimensional evaluation of the predictability of clear aligners in the treatment of maxillary transverse and anteroposterior tooth movements using cone beam computed tomography: A preliminary retrospective study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictability of clear aligner treatment in correcting maxillary transverse and anteroposterior movements using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Thirty orthodontic patients who underwent orthodontic treatment using clear aligners were enrolled. Predicted tooth movements were obtained using digital orthodontic treatment planning software for clear aligners, while actual tooth movements were calculated by measuring the difference between pre- and post-treatment tooth positions using CBCT. Statistical analyses were done using the paired sample t-tests to compare the mean differences between predicted and actual movements at the crown and root levels. RESULTS: There were significant mean differences in the transverse dimension between the actual and predicted movements at the crown level for the first molars and first premolars and root level, 1.88 mm (±1.6), 0.64 mm (±1.7), 5.50 mm (±3.1), and 3.10 mm (±3.1), respectively (P < 0.05). In contrast, no difference was seen in the canines at crown or root levels (P > 0.05). There was a significant mean difference of 6.4 mm (±5.6) in the anteroposterior movements of incisors between actual and predicted measurements in the proclination group (P < 0.05). In contrast, no difference was seen in the retroclination group (2.02 mm (±6.8)) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Orthodontic tooth movement using clear aligners showed that transverse movements at the canines are more predictable than at premolars and molars. Retroclination is more predictable than proclination; however, retrusive movements are less predictable than protrusive movements.