Attachments for the Orthodontic Aligner Treatment—State of the Art: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Maciej Jedliński*, Marta Mazur, Mario Greco, Joyce Belfus, Katarzyna Grocholewicz, Joanna Janiszewska-Olszowska

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: In recent years the burden of aligner treatment has been growing. However, the sole use of aligners is characterized by limitations; thus attachments are bonded to the teeth to improve aligner retention and tooth movement. Nevertheless, it is often still a challenge to clinically achieve the planned movement. Thus, the aim of this study is to discuss the evidence of the shape, placement and bonding of composite attachments. Methods: A query was carried out in six databases on 10 December 2022 using the search string (“orthodontics” OR “malocclusion” OR “Tooth movement techniques AND (“aligner*” OR “thermoformed splints” OR “invisible splint*” AND (“attachment*” OR “accessor*” OR “auxill*” AND “position*”). Results: There were 209 potential articles identified. Finally, twenty-six articles were included. Four referred to attachment bonding, and twenty-two comprised the influence of composite attachment on movement efficacy. Quality assessment tools were used according to the study type. Conclusions: The use of attachments significantly improves the expression of orthodontic movement and aligner retention. It is possible to indicate sites on the teeth where attachments have a better effect on tooth movement and to assess which attachments facilitate movement. The research received no external funding. The PROSPERO database number is CRD42022383276.
Original languageEnglish
Article number4481
Pages (from-to)1-29
Number of pages29
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume20
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Mar 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

© 2023 by the authors.

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