4.0 Article

Is the quality of occlusal contacts comparable after aligner and fixed orthodontic therapy? A non-randomized cohort comparison using computerized occlusal analysis during 6 months of retention

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TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2022.2056688

Keywords

Settling; occlusion; posterior occlusion; T-Scan 10 System (TM); center of force; aligners; fixed appliance therapy

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The occlusal contacts were comparable between aligner and bracket treatment completion and after 3-6 months of retention. However, marked contact force asymmetry persisted in some patients even after the retention period.
Objective: Less than ideal contacts have been reported following aligner therapy, but it is considered a transitory problem, spontaneously resolving with the phenomenon of settling. Methods: Thirty-nine orthodontic patients (14 treated with aligners; 25 with fixed appliances) were evaluated with a digital occlusal analysis system (T-scan (TM) 10), assessing Maximum Intercuspation contact simultaneity, symmetry, and relative force distribution at treatment completion and after 3 and 6 months. Results: No significant differences in occlusal contact quality were found between groups at treatment completion or follow-up. The center of force moved posteriorly and remained stable after 3 months but was located more anteriorly in females (p = 0.01). One-third of patients (both groups combined) had marked contact force asymmetry even after 6 months' retention. Conclusion: Occlusal contacts were comparable at completion of treatment with aligners or brackets and after 3-6 months of retention. Settling did not improve marked asymmetry in all patients.

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