Narrow Palate
Conditions
Keywords
Dentoalveolar expansion, clear aligners, predictability
Brief summary
To analyze the clinical predictability of transverse arch expansion achieved with two clear aligner systems (Invisalign, Angel Aligner-Angel Aligner Pro) by comparing planned and achieved dental movements through digital model analysis at different treatment stages using a repeatable and reproducible digital measurement technique.
Detailed description
The study population comprised 60 adult subjects (mean age: 33.93 ± 8.38 years) presenting with transverse maxillary and mandibular deficiencies requiring dentoalveolar expansion with clear aligners in both arches. Participants were divided into three homogeneous groups of 20 patients treated with different aligner systems: Angel Aligner-Angel Aligner Pro (Angelalign Technology Inc., Shanghai, China), and Invisalign (Align Technology Inc., San Jose, CA, USA). Digital models of the maxillary and mandibular arches were obtained at baseline (T1) using an iTero Element 5D intraoral scanner. Virtual treatment planning was performed using iOrtho (version 5.2) and ClinCheck (version 6.0 Pro) software, generating a virtual setup model (T2) that served as the reference for calculating prescribed orthodontic movements. After aligner fabrication, composite attachments were bonded using standardized protocols and manufacturer-provided templates to ensure reproducibility and accurate expression of planned tooth movements. Digital STL models obtained before treatment, after virtual setup, and at the end of treatment were analyzed using a repeatable and reproducible digital measurement technique to evaluate the predictability of transverse dentoalveolar expansion achieved with each aligner system.
Interventions
DEVICEInvisalign expansion
Transverse dentoalveolar expansion was performed according to the virtual treatment planning established in the aligner software. Orthodontic movements were progressively achieved through the sequential use of the planned clear aligner (an aligner per step).
DEVICEAngel Aligner
Transverse dentoalveolar expansion was performed according to the virtual treatment planning established in the aligner software. Orthodontic movements were progressively achieved through the sequential use of the planned clear aligners (an aligner per step).
DEVICEAngel Aligner Pro
Transverse dentoalveolar expansion was performed according to the virtual treatment planning established in the aligner software. Orthodontic movements were progressively achieved through the sequential use of the planned clear aligners (an initial softer aligner worn for 7 days, followed by a second, more rigid aligner worn for 3 days before progressing to the next stage in the treatment sequence)
Sponsors
University of Salamanca
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
The study population comprised 60 adult subjects with a mean age of 33.93 ± 8.38 years, presenting with transverse maxillary and mandibular deficiencies requiring dentoalveolar expansion with clear aligners in both arches. All diagnoses were established by a qualified orthodontic specialist. Participants were divided into three homogeneous groups of 20 individuals, each receiving treatment with a distinct clear aligner system. For each subject, digital maxillary and mandibular models were collected in STL format at three distinct time points: at baseline prior to treatment initiation (pretreatment model, T1), at the completion of the virtual treatment setup approximately one month later (planning reference model, T2), and after completion of the initially prescribed aligner sequence, approximately six months thereafter (pre-finishing model, T3). In total, 360 digital models were included in the analysis.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 43 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adult patients with a full permanent dentition * Absence of auxiliary orthodontic appliances * A clinical indication for transverse expansion in both dental arches * Complete diagnostic and treatment records * Treatment plans involving a minimum of 15 aligners before any refinement phase * Confirmed adequate compliance with aligner wear (20-22 hours per day) * patients with skeletal Class I or mild skeletal Class II or III relationships (ANB angle ranging from 0° to 4°
Exclusion criteria
* Severe dental crowding (tooth size-arch length discrepancy exceeding -5 mm) * Active periodontal pathology * Treatment plans involving dental extractions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dentoalveolar expansion | One year | Change from baseline in maxillary intermolar width measured in millimeters. |
Countries
Spain
Outcome results
None listed