Efficiency and predictability of maxillary expansion with Invisalign® system

• Author(s): Rocha, Ana Sofia ; Gonçalves, Maria ; Oliveira, Ana Catarina ; Pinho, Teresa
• Date: 2024
• Origin: Scientific Letters
• Subject(s): tooth movement; Invisalign; effectiveness; expansion; clear aligners
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

The Invisalign® system aims to ensure aesthetics and achieve positive clinical results; however, its efficacy is still debatable. Along with lower incisor intrusion and upper molar distalization, arch expansion is one of the most predictable movements that may be achieved using clear aligners. This makes the system a conceivable method for the correction of crowding and posterior dentoalveolar crossbites. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness and predictability of tooth expansion in permanent dentition with Invisalign® orthodontic aligners. A bibliographic search was carried out using the PubMed and EBSCOhost databases. Articles published between 2013 and 2023 and written in English were selected. Reporting of this review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After a thorough review, 12 articles were included. In terms of efficiency, most studies showed an increase in all interdental measurements, with premolars showing the greatest expansion. On the other hand, predictability was weaker, as significant differences were found between the post-treatment models and the ClinCheck® software virtual model for some interdental measurements. We concluded that the Invisalign® system is effective in producing expansion movement, with reasonable predictability.