Accuracy of clear aligners in the orthodontic rotational movement using different attachment configurations

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of dental rotational movements using clear aligners with different attachment configurations.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study analysed 212 teeth from 89 patients undergoing Invisalign treatment. Digital models were analysed after the virtual treatment plan (ST1) and after the first treatment phase (ET1) to evaluate the effective clinical rotational movement. The rotational movements of incisors, canines, and bicuspids were measured using data from the Clincheck Movements Table. ST1 and ET1 were compared to determine the actual rotational movement achieved (ST1-ET1). The presence or absence of attachments (rectangular or optimized) on teeth was analysed. The accuracy of rotational movements among attachment types was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Multiple linear regressions were conducted with accuracy as the dependent variable and tooth type, gender, and age as predictors.

Results

Optimized attachments had the highest median accuracy (70%), followed by rectangular (65%), and without attachment (63%), with no significant differences (p = .5). There were no significant differences across age groups, genders, or tooth types. Baseline accuracy was 68.62% (95% CI: 56.03–81.20, p < .001). Age was a significant predictor (estimate = −0.30, 95% CI: −0.58 – −0.03, p = .032), indicating decreased accuracy with increasing age. The model's R² was 0.046, with an adjusted R² of 0.003, indicating minimal variance explained.

Conclusion

The addition of attachment configurations to clear aligners improves rotational accuracy, but not significantly. Further advancements in these configurations are needed to enhance the performance of the aligners.