Comparative Evaluation of Modified Vacuum-Formed Aligners Versus Conventional Micro-Implant Anchorage in Molar Intrusion for Pre-Restorative Orthodontics

IF 2.7 3区医学 Q2 DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE

Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research Pub Date : 2026-09-04 Epub Date: 2026-03-20 DOI:10.1111/ocr.70115

Tiancong Wang, Yuan Zhang, Jun Ji, Xiang Yan

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of modified vacuum-formed aligners (clear aligners with three-dimensional digital design) versus conventional micro-implant anchorage in molar intrusion for pre-restorative orthodontic treatment.

Methods

A total of 91 patients requiring pre-restorative orthodontic treatment were enrolled from Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University between January 2022 and December 2025. All participants exhibited overeruption of antagonist molars due to long-term absence of mandibular first or second molars, resulting in insufficient space for implant restoration and occlusal plane disturbance, thus requiring molar intrusion prior to prosthetic rehabilitation. Patients were divided into two groups: the aligner group (n = 44, treated with digitally designed clear aligners) and the anchorage group (n = 47, treated with traditional micro-implant anchorage).

Results

The anchorage group achieved significantly greater buccal and palatal intrusion than the aligner group (p < 0.05). Postoperative VAS scores at 24 h and 3 days in the aligner group were lower than those in the anchorage group (p < 0.05). Both groups showed comparable intrusion of buccal, palatal, mesial, and distal cusps (p > 0.05). The aligner group had a shorter treatment duration (p < 0.05). The complication rate in the aligner group was significantly lower than that in the anchorage group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Modified vacuum-formed aligners provided better patient comfort, shorter treatment duration, and fewer complications, whereas micro-implant anchorage demonstrated superior efficiency in molar intrusion. Both techniques achieved satisfactory three-dimensional control, and clinical selection should be based on individual patient needs.

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改良的真空成形矫正器与传统的微种植体支抗在预修复正畸磨牙侵入中的比较评价。

目的：本研究旨在比较改良的真空成形矫正器（三维数字化设计的透明矫正器）与传统的微种植体支抗在修复前正畸治疗中磨牙侵入的疗效。方法：选取南京大学口腔医院、医学院附属医院、口腔研究所于2022年1月至2024年12月间进行预修复正畸治疗的患者91例。由于下颌第一或第二磨牙长期缺失，所有受试者均表现出拮抗磨牙过度萌出，导致种植体修复空间不足和咬合平面紊乱，因此需要在修复前侵入磨牙。患者分为两组：对准器组（n = 44，使用数字设计的透明对准器）和支抗组（n = 47，使用传统的微种植体支抗）。结果：支抗组颊部和腭部压入明显大于矫正组（p < 0.05）。结论：改良的真空形成的牙齿矫正器提供了更好的患者舒适度，治疗时间更短，并发症更少，而微种植体支抗在磨牙侵入方面表现出更好的效果。这两种技术都获得了令人满意的三维控制，临床应根据患者的个体需求进行选择。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research 医学-牙科与口腔外科

CiteScore

5.30

自引率

3.20%

发文量

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research - Genes, Growth and Development is published to serve its readers as an international forum for the presentation and critical discussion of issues pertinent to the advancement of the specialty of orthodontics and the evidence-based knowledge of craniofacial growth and development. This forum is based on scientifically supported information, but also includes minority and conflicting opinions. The objective of the journal is to facilitate effective communication between the research community and practicing clinicians. Original papers of high scientific quality that report the findings of clinical trials, clinical epidemiology, and novel therapeutic or diagnostic approaches are appropriate submissions. Similarly, we welcome papers in genetics, developmental biology, syndromology, surgery, speech and hearing, and other biomedical disciplines related to clinical orthodontics and normal and abnormal craniofacial growth and development. In addition to original and basic research, the journal publishes concise reviews, case reports of substantial value, invited essays, letters, and announcements. The journal is published quarterly. The review of submitted papers will be coordinated by the editor and members of the editorial board. It is policy to review manuscripts within 3 to 4 weeks of receipt and to publish within 3 to 6 months of acceptance.