Efficacy of Orthodontic Tooth Movement Using Beveled and Conventional Attachments in Aligners

Launched by NEODENT · Mar 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is testing whether beveled attachments (sloped edges) or conventional rectangular attachments on clear aligners work better to move teeth. In a split-mouth design, each person will have one side of the mouth with beveled attachments and the other side with rectangular attachments, and different types of tooth movements will be grouped and tested (horizontal moves, vertical moves, and rotations). The researchers will compare how closely the actual tooth movements match the treatment plan and what percentage of the planned movement is achieved, using digital dental scans and photos taken before and after treatment. Participants won’t know which side has which attachment to keep things fair.

Who can join? Adults 18 years and older with permanent teeth who are getting aligner-based orthodontic treatment and need movements on both sides of the mouth are eligible, and they must give informed consent. Exclusions include poor oral hygiene, active gum disease, jaw problems (TMJ disorders), or allergies to aligner materials. The study will take place in a private orthodontic clinic in Curitiba, Brazil, and will involve about 30 participants and around 120 teeth/attachments overall, with treatment up to 24 months. The trial is randomized and participants are masked to which side has beveled versus rectangular attachments. Outcomes include how well movement matched the plan, movement efficiency, and participant satisfaction measured by the OHIP-14 questionnaire.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults (18+ years) with permanent dentition
• • Candidates for aligner-based orthodontic treatment
• • Require bilateral tooth movements (e.g., extrusion, intrusion, rotation, tipping, mesiodistal translation)
• • Provide written informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Contraindications to aligner use (e.g., manufacturer's guidelines)
• • Poor oral hygiene, active periodontal disease, or TMJ disorders
• • Allergies to aligner materials (e.g., polyurethane, PETG)