Evaluating the efficacy and predictability of distalization protocols for maxillary molars in Class II treatment with clear Aligners: A narrative review

Introduction

Clear aligner therapy (CAT) has become a popular orthodontic treatment option for adolescent and adult patients for its aesthetic, patient’s comfort, and convenient features. It involves a programmed and simulated virtual planning, tracking, and quantifying of tooth movement to target positions. Over the years, the therapeutic scope of CAT has increased dramatically to include a wider range of malocclusions with the aid of orthodontic auxiliaries as adjunctive biomechanics. This narrative review aims at summarizing and evaluating current practices, efficacy and predictability of sequential distalization protocol for maxillary molars in class II treatment using CAT.

Methods

A systematic search for this review included electronic literature databases of MEDLINE via Pubmed, Web of Science, ProQuest and Embase to include all available published articles including systematic reviews, books, cases reports, and narrative literature reviews.

Results

Most published studies are retrospective examining small sample size. Current literature should be interpreted carefully as studies differ in their outcome measurement process and timing. Although reports show 2-3 mm of molar distalization is possible, a distinguish between bodily movement and molar tip back should be made. There is a discrepancy between computer-assisted predicted outcome and actual clinical outcome reported in literature.

Conclusion

Molar distalization using CAT is possible. However, randomised trials with large sample size are necessary to draw more definitive conclusion about its efficacy and predictability. Due to the discrepancy between computer-assisted predicted outcome and actual clinical outcome, case refinement and possible altered treatment duration should be discussed with the patient in the planning stage. Since the process of molar distalization using CAT involves undesirable reaction force, it is essential to reinforce anchorage with suitable auxiliaries like composite attachments, class II/III elastics, and TADs.