[Combining the benefits of aligners with those of fixed appliance treatments – Part 2].

INTRODUCTION

Aligners are presented as an aesthetic and simple solution capable of treating a wide range of malocclusions. However, they require numerous auxiliaries that are often complex to implement and unesthetic attachments to compensate for their inability in reproducing the simulated movements.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to review the advantages and limitations of aligners by proposing an aesthetic, rational, and standardized solution.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The scientific data shows the movements for which aligners are less effective. The article illustrates through a clinical case how it is possible to combine the 2D lingual appliance and aligners to compensate for the shortcomings of each and optimize their strengths during their use.

RESULTS

When the treatment plan defines the movements to be performed, the choice of the appliance becomes clinically and logically evident according to the ongoing therapeutic sequence.

CONCLUSION

Aligners offer advantages that make them indispensable in the orthodontist's therapeutic arsenal, but they are not sufficient on their own.