Workflow for in-office aligner orthodontics using the virtual articulator

Aligner therapy has been an integral part of orthodontics for over 20 years since it was first introduced by Align Technology (San Jose, CA, USA). There is now a vast range of aligner providers to choose from, but there is little to distinguish them. Owing to the virtual treatment simulation software that is now available and the rapid advancements in 3D printing technology that have occurred, it is now possible for orthodontists to produce aligners independently, and in-office aligner therapy is becoming increasingly important. Almost all tooth movements can be performed with aligner treatment. Temporomandibular dysfunction can also be treated using bonded onlay elements in phase one of treatment. In the present study, the authors outline a workflow for in-office aligner treatment that utilises the advantages of a virtual articulator to treat patients with and without temporomandibular dysfunction. Keywords: Digital Motion Decoder, in-office aligner, Modjaw, occlusion, temporomandibular dysfunction, temporomandibular joint, virtual articulator