Clear Aligners in Orthodontics: Current Evidence on Biofilm Resistance, Stain Prevention, and Clinical Outcomes

Ahmed, Anam; Mannan, Huda; Islam, Md. Nurul

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17743551

Published January 2022 | Version v1

Journal article Open

Clear Aligners in Orthodontics: Current Evidence on Biofilm Resistance, Stain Prevention, and Clinical Outcomes

1. Associate Professor (CC), Department of Dental Public Health, University Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Pedodontics, University Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
3. Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Saphena Women's Dental College, Dhaka.

Contributors

Contact person:

Ahmed, Anam¹

1. Associate Professor (CC), Department of Dental Public Health, University Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email: dph.udc@gmail.com

Abstarct

Background: Clear aligner therapy is changing the method of orthodontic management by offering removable, esthetically pleasing, and comfortable alternatives to more traditional fixed orthodontic appliances. This review is focused on assessing the evidence on the materials, surface technologies and their clinical performance, cleaning protocols, patient outcomes, existing antimicrobial and antifouling strategies, and the gaps in the current research.
Methods: A narrative review of the existing evidence on cleanser aligners was performed through the use of various online platforms (January 2016-2021), applying filters to English-language studies on biofilms, antimicrobial methods, and the intersections of cleaning and staining and coating. About 22 studies was identified which includes all clinical, in-vitro, materials science, and experimental case report studies that met the inclusion criteria.
Findings: Research indicates that there are some oral health benefits of aligners in comparison to fixed appliances, however, defendable claims of the materials lacking inline durability, color, and biofilm control, as well as modern engineering materials pose challenges.
Conclusion: Suggested measures for the adequate cleaning and maintenance of aligners are provided, alongside the need for more focused future research on longitudinal clinical studies and consolidated safety evaluations for more aligned testing.