Journal of Aligner Orthodontics, 04/2019

Bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion is challenging to treat with aligners. Such patients have not only dental protrusion problems, but often a combination with skeletal protrusion problems. This article presents different bimaxillary protrusion case types, including treatment by extraction of the four first premolars, and non-extraction treatment. In the non-extraction case, temporary anchorage devices were used as anchorage to achieve molar distalisation and to prevent a 'rowboat' effect during the treatment. A special movement called the 'caterpillar motion design' is also described, which according to the authors helps to prevent the bowing effect in extraction space closure treatments. All described treatments were performed using the Invisalign System; extraction treatments are possible with aligner systems but require a profound knowledge of the biomechanics and forces of aligner orthodontics. Several possible approaches are presented. Keywords: aligner orthodontics, bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion, dental occlusion, protrusion, temporary anchorage device (TAD), tooth extraction

The use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) as an anchorage for orthodontic treatment is becoming more widespread. Complications include loss of stability and damage to the tooth root, and the direction of tooth movement may differ from the objective tooth movement, making orthodontic treatment more complex. The use of clear aligners has been reported to improve treatment outcomes, and therefore combination with TADs is becoming more common. This article presents the biomechanics-oriented orthodontics with TADs approach ('BOOT approach') for aligner orthodontic treatment in consideration of biomechanics and safe TAD placement. Keywords: 3D printing, biomechanics, digital, temporary anchorage device (TAD)

Traditional removable appliances pose certain limitations with regard to their efficacy, but digital aligner therapy has transformed that modality. With particular regard to radicular control, two cases involving intricate movements are presented. Furthermore, these cases include the use of mini-screws, either for anchor enhancement or for temporary tooth replacement, as well as vibrational acceleration stimulation. Implant placement and restoration of edentulous spaces was the goal for these cases, and the management to that end is outlined. Keywords: aligners, interdisciplinary orthodontics, micropulsation, mini-screw, orthodontic acceleration, temporary anchorage device (TAD)

Objectives: The object of this clinical study was to compare three different aligner systems. The aim was to help the orthodontist with choosing an adequate aligner philosophy/therapy system. Materials and methods: This study included 60 randomly chosen patients. Mild to moderate cases were selected, and patients were assigned to three groups of 20 patients each. One group was treated with Invisalign (20 patients), the second group was treated with CA Clear Aligner and the third group of patients was treated with the Orthocaps aligner system. In all cases, attachments were used to additionally enhance the fitting and efficiency of the aligner. Results: All investigated aligner systems achieved the predicted goal of the treatment, although with significant differences concerning accuracy, the predicted duration of treatment and the number of refinements. Significant differences were determined, especially regarding the efficiency, duration and cost of treatments. Conclusion: Aligner orthodontics allow for handling difficult treatment cases despite different aligner philosophies, different materials and different durations of treatment. There were significant differences concerning the envisaged time of treatment. In moderate cases, a significant difference concerning duration and costs was determined. Keywords: aligner, CA Clear Aligner, Invisalign, Orthocaps

In this and future issues of the JAO we will be asking our affiliated scientific societies a series of questions to enable readers to discover more about each group's work in the field of aligner orthodontics

Nowadays, in-office aligner production is possible thanks to the precise software, 3d printers and different aligner materials available for treatment. In this series, manufacturers provide information on their 3D printer system, providing a current overview of the industry.