Aligners in orthodontics: A review

Abstract

As the demand for esthetic treatments is increasing, more people are seeking alternatives to fixed orthodontic appliances. Clear aligners are an esthetic and comfortable option for orthodontic treatment and have gained immense popularity over the last decade. This review will highlight the increasing popularity of clear aligners by describing some aligner systems frequently used today. Most of the patients seeking orthodontic treatment these days are motivated by esthetic con¬siderations. The majority of these patients rejects wearing conventional orthodontic appliances and has a strong preference towards more esthetic treatment options, including lingual orthodontics and esthetic thermoformed appliances. The Align technology introduced the invisalign appliance in 1999, since then the Invisalign appliance and similar kinds have gained tremendous attention from adult patients and dental professionals. The thermoformed esthetic appliances (invisible retainers and clear aligners) are gaining an increasing interest as an alternative treatment option in adult patient in multidisciplinary complex cases to simplify the treatment plan.