Orthognathic surgery and aligners. A comparative assessment of periodontal health and quality of life in postsurgical orthodontic treatment with aligners versus traditional fixed appliances: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Removable clear aligners have become very popular in the last few decades, but they are still little used in the field of orthognathic surgery (OS). The objective of this study was to compare periodontal health and quality of life (QoL) associated to postsurgical orthodontic treatment.

Material and methods: Patients with dentofacial deformities undergoing OS were randomly allocated to receive postsurgical orthodontic treatment with either fixed orthodontic appliances or Invisalign. The main outcomes were periodontal health and QoL. Plaque index, probing depth and bleeding on probing were assessed as periodontal health indicators. QoL was assessed through the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ-22) and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Data were analyzed before surgery and end of treatment. Total duration of treatment was also recorded.

Results: Twenty-eight patients were randomized, (16 women, 12 men). Periodontal assessment showed better outcomes for the Invisalign group: bleeding on probing (p=0.013), plaque index (p=0.001) and probing depth (p<0.001). The QoL questionnaires showed significant differences in favor of the Invisalign group: OHIP-14 (p=0.004) and OQLQ-22 (p=0.002). Total duration of treatment was similar in both groups (p=0.575).

Conclusions: Compared to traditional orthodontics with fixed appliances, patients managed with clear aligners after OS (surgery-first approach) had better periodontal health and QoL outcomes.