Auxillaries in Clear Aligners-A Review

Abstract

Clear aligners have revolutionised the field of Orthodontics over the past few decades. The increasing demand for aligner treatment can be attributed to increasing awareness about tooth alignment and aesthetics among the public. With the era of clear aligners, the discomfort associated with fixed appliances can be eliminated. The techniques and the materials that can improve the aligner biomechanics are being actively researched. It is difficult to achieve certain complex tooth movements with aligners, primarily owing to the contact of the aligners with the tooth. In order to increase the active surface area of contact and to modify the resultant force vector, attachments can be used. Apart from attachments various other auxillaries like bite ramps, elastics, power ridges, mandibular advancement blocks, temporary anchorage devices can also be used in delivering efficient biomechanics. This article will discuss about all the auxillaries that we commonly use with aligner treatment that aid in bringing about effective tooth movement.