Novel Attachment Design for Malocclusion

Clear aligners are thin, transparent plastic trays that straighten teeth gradually and are a popular, more discreet alternative to traditional braces. To help the traOptionalys grip and move the teeth, dentists usually bond small tooth-colored bumps, called "attachments," onto the front or back surfaces of the teeth. Although aligners work well for many types of tooth movement, they are much less reliable at turning (rotating) teeth that are twisted out of position, especially rounded teeth such as premolars and canines. Teeth often turn less than planned or tip and shift in unwanted directions. As a result, patients may need extra sets of aligners or a period of conventional braces, which takes away the main reason many people choose aligners.

This study will evaluate the clinical performance of the proposed occlusal attachment designed by the investigators, quantifying rotational correction along with any unintended movements of the target and adjacent teeth. The study is not designed as a device trial of the aligner system, but as an evaluation of a modified attachment configuration within routine clear aligner treatment.

The Primary Objective is to determine the degree of rotational correction that can be achieved in rotated canines and/or premolars using clear aligners with occlusal surface attachments. The Secondary Objective is to assess any unintended tooth movements, including buccolingual tipping, mesiodistal translation and vertical displacement.