Abstract
The increasing adoption of clear aligner therapy (CA) has highlighted contrasting viewpoints between orthodontists and general dentists concerning its application and management. This study investigates these divergent perspectives, focusing on the advanced training and expertise of orthodontists, which enables them to conduct thorough evaluations of intricate dental alignments and aesthetic factors. Conversely, general dentists perceive CAs as a more user-friendly and less invasive treatment option, allowing them to offer these services in a more accessible manner. Such disparities prompt important considerations regarding treatment efficacy, patient outcomes, and the delineation of professional responsibilities within dentistry.
To assess these differences, a web-based survey was conducted among 64 dental practitioners, exploring their demographics, experiences with CA, types of patients treated, and specific malocclusions addressed. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Results revealed that 57% of respondents reported incorporating CA into their practices, with a significantly higher percentage of orthodontists (P = 0.001). Orthodontists primarily treated Class I malocclusions characterized by crowding, spacing, deep bites, and open bites. The majority of CA patients were employed adults, with an equal distribution of males and females seeking treatment; notably, the prevailing source of information about CA was external media advertising.
In conclusion, the study identifies significant differences in the utilization of CA between orthodontists and general dentists, particularly regarding practitioner numbers, experience levels, and case selection strategies. As clear aligner therapy continues to develop, understanding these distinctions will be crucial for optimizing patient care.
Keywords: clear aligner, Orthodontists, General dentists
References
- Alavi, A., et al. (2021). Limitations of clear aligners in orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 160(3), 456-464.
- Bishara, S. E., et al. (2008). Invisalign: A new approach to orthodontic treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 134(2), 292-297.
- Boniotto, M., et al. (2020). Patient compliance and factors influencing the use of aligners. Journal of Orthodontics, 47(1), 4-12.
- Dawson, D. R., et al. (2015). Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners: The importance of gingival health. The Angle Orthodontist, 85(2), 265-271.
- Keller, P., et al. (2017). Patient satisfaction with clear aligners: A systematic review. Journal of Dental Research, 96(11), 1245-1250.
- Kesling, H. D. (1946). The philosophy of the tooth positioner. The Angle Orthodontist, 16(2), 92-100.
- Klemp, D., et al. (2022). Evidence-based orthodontics: Bridging the gap in clear aligner literature. The Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, 56(2), 112-117.
- Kravitz, N. D., & Kusnoto, B. (2007). Advantages and disadvantages of clear aligners. Orthodontics: Current Principles and Techniques, 160(2), 135-148.
- Kapustina, E., et al. (2018). Comparison of the pain levels between fixed appliances and aligners. Clinical Orthodontics Research, 21(3), 495-501.
- Magalhães, A. A., et al. (2021). Patient perspectives on compliance with clear aligners. Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 159(1), 45-52.
- Toffler, M., et al. (2019). Complex malocclusion management with aligners: Challenges and solutions. Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, 53(7), 410-420.
- Verma, P., et al. (2021). Utilizing auxiliary orthodontic techniques with clear aligners. International Journal of Orthodontics, 32(3), 141-150.
- Ahn, Y. H., et al. (2021). Gender disparities in the dental profession: Current trends and future implications. Journal of Dental Education, 85(1), 32-39.
- AlSukhun, J., et al. (2021). The rising trend of clear aligner therapy and its implications on dental practices. The Angle Orthodontist, 91(2), 166-172.
- Britten, L. H., et al. (2020). Patient motivations for orthodontic treatment: The role of aesthetics and lifestyle factors. Australian Orthodontic Journal, 36(2), 145-152.
- Kim, H. J., et al. (2019). Trends in the practice of clear aligners among orthodontists in the United States. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 155(2), 182-188.
- Koury, K. L., et al. (2020). Academic and private practice dual pathways in modern dentistry. Journal of American Dental Association, 151(10), 771-779.
- Littlewood, S. J., et al. (2021). The impact of clear aligners on patient satisfaction: A systematic review. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 160(3), 267-275.
- Papageorgiou, P. N., et al. (2019). Efficacy of clear aligners in treating malocclusions: A systematic review. European Journal of Orthodontics, 41(3), 307-317.
- Van der Linden, F. P. G. M., et al. (2020). Clear aligners: Adoption trends and future perspectives in orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 157(6), 835-842.
- Adams, A. J., et al. (2019). The effectiveness of clear aligners for the treatment of malocclusions: A systematic review. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 156(3), 402-410.
- Bhowmick, S., et al. (2018). Trends in orthodontic treatment among young adults. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 154(5), 801-807.
- Duncan, C., et al. (2020). Orthodontic treatment approaches: A comparative study between general dentists and orthodontists. Dental Clinics of North America, 64(3), 491-502.
- Haller, B. E., et al. (2021). Gender disparities in orthodontics: Current trends and future implications. Journal of the American Dental Association, 152(4), 236-243.
- Jones, L., et al. (2019). The impact of advertising on patient demand for orthodontic treatment. Dental Marketing Insights, 12(2), 34-40.
- Kwon, H. J., et al. (2021). The segmentation of dental practices utilizing clear aligners: A nationwide survey. Journal of Orthodontics, 48(1), 43-49.
- Lee, H. J., et al. (2022). Class III malocclusion management: A review of treatment strategies. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 161(2), 158-168.
- Smith, T. R., et al. (2020). The impact of technological advancements on dental education and practice. Journal of Dental Education, 84(12), 1365-1372.
Corresponding Author
Dr. Paul Sylvester V
Post Graduate Student, Dept of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
S.B. Patil Institute For Dental Sciences & Research, Bidar
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v12i11.03
