Clear aligner therapy among orthodontists in Turkey: practice patterns and comparison with previously reported Iranian findings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to investigate clear aligner therapy (CAT) practice patterns among Turkish orthodontists and compare them with Iranian specialist orthodontists.

METHODS

A web-based cross-sectional survey of Turkish specialist orthodontists assessed CAT use, adjuncts, training, case selection by malocclusion and age, monitoring and retention protocols, and perceived advantages/disadvantages. Findings were compared with a previously published survey of 142 Iranian orthodontists.

RESULTS

A total of 178 Turkish orthodontists participated (7.5% response rate; 71 males, 107 females). Most were aged 30-39 years (53.9%), had 11-20 years of experience (42.1%), and worked in private practice (62.9%). CAT use was reported by 96.1% of Turkish orthodontists versus 69.0% of Iranian orthodontists. More Turkish orthodontists initiated >50 new CAT cases annually (33.1% vs. 7.7%), while fewer reported <10 cases/year (18.0% vs. 35.9%). CAT use was significantly higher in Turkey across all age groups (P < 0.001). Preferences were similar for mild crowding, spacing, and anterior cross-bite. Turkish orthodontists more frequently used CAT for complex cases, including mild/moderate open bite and severe crowding (P < 0.05). CAT was preferred more for limited extraction and space-opening cases than orthognathic surgery cases. Iranian orthodontists more commonly used local manufacturers (49.3% vs. 15.7%) and in-office aligner production (19% vs. 9%). Perceptions regarding CAT advantages and limitations were largely similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Among respondents, CAT was more widely integrated into orthodontic practice in Turkey, with broader self-reported clinical indications and more positive clinician perceptions than in Iran. Iranian orthodontists relied more on locally manufactured and in-office aligners.