Root resorption in fixed versus clear aligner therapy: A CBCT-based comparative study

TL;DR

This study compares root resorption in orthodontic treatments using fixed appliances versus clear aligners, finding that aligners cause less damage.

Contribution

The study introduces CBCT-based volumetric measurements to show that clear aligners cause less root resorption than fixed appliances.

Findings

Fixed appliance patients showed significantly higher external apical root resorption.

Clear aligner therapy resulted in less root resorption, making it a safer option.

CBCT provided precise measurements for comparing resorption between treatment types.

Abstract

Root resorption is an undesirable but common sequela of orthodontic tooth movement. Therefore, it is of interest to compare root
resorption associated with fixed orthodontic appliances and clear aligner therapy using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Data
revealed significantly higher external apical root resorption in fixed appliance patients compared to aligner users. Thus, CBCT provided
precise volumetric measurements, confirming aligners as a safer modality for minimizing root resorption.