An Evaluation of the Estimated Aligners Needed to Correct Malocclusion Traits Using Invisalign ClinCheck™ Pro Software: A Retrospective Study.

Background

This study evaluated the number of aligners that Invisalign ClinCheck™ Pro Software estimates for correcting different malocclusion traits.

Methods

This retrospective study included 157 non-extraction patients over the age of 12 years old with easy to mild malocclusions who were treated with Invisalign aligners. The Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) was used to evaluate the malocclusion complexity level. The number of aligners (upper, lower, and total) required to correct the malocclusion was compared based on sex, ICON level, molar and canine class, occlusal asymmetry, overbite, overjet, crowding, incisor inclination, and Bolton discrepancy. A Mann-Whitney U test (for comparisons between two groups) or a Kruskal-Wallis test (for comparisons between three or more groups) (p < 0.05) was used to evaluate differences in the number of aligners across variable categories.

Results

ICON, molar class, overbite, and overjet presented significant differences (p < 0.05) in the number of aligners (upper, lower, and total) required to correct a malocclusion. Canine class and lower dental crowding showed significant differences in the lower and total number of aligners (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The number of aligners increases when the malocclusion presents any of the following elements: the absence of molar or canine class I, an altered overjet or overbite, severe lower crowding, or a higher complexity level. The clinician should consider these malocclusion traits when estimating the number of aligners needed for correction.