Whose teeth move more?

Investigators have elucidated tooth movement outcomes following clear aligner therapy among adults and teenagers.

In a study published in Progress in Orthodontics, the investigators analyzed achieved tooth movement and simulated digital treatment plan predictions among 30 adults and 30 teenagers. They then measured 600 teeth in each patient group for horizontal, vertical, angular movements and transverse dimensions.

The investigators discovered statistically significant mandibular intercanine width accuracy between the adult and teenage patients. In addition, compared with the mandibular first premolars of adults, the same teeth in teenagers presented with undercorrection in horizontal movements. There was also overcorrection in horizontal movements for mandibular central and lateral incisors between the adult and teenage groups. Further, a larger proportion of adults experienced underachieved rotations for maxillary first premolars.

The findings may help inform the designs of future studies assessing the efficacy of clear aligners.

Read more: Progress in Orthodontics

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