A digitalized analysis of incisal changes among orthodontically treated patients: A retrospective comparative study

Aim: To compare the incisor angulation and/or position changes among orthodontically treated subjects with metal brackets vs clear aligners.Material and Methods: A total of sixty-two participants from both genders were included aged from 16-40 years old, with CL I skeletal pattern, and mild crowding following strict eligibility criteria. They were divided into two groups based on their treatment approach. Pre- and post-lateral cephalograms were collected from Riyadh Elm University (REU) and then digitally analyzed using WEBCEPH (Medical Image Analysis) software. Eight angular measurements and two linear measurements were chosen for the required assessment.Results: Upper incisor angulation and position showed statistically significant differences upon using the orthodontic Clear aligners. On the contrary, no such significance was observed with conventional orthodontic treatment. However, Upper incisal palatal root torque decreased after the clear aligner therapy compared to the conventional treatment. The inter-incisal angel demonstrated a significant increase with clear aligners than the conventional treatment.Conclusions: The current study revealed the importance of having definitive guidelines upon and after treatment in addition to determining the incisor changes. Orthodontic clear aligners were distinct from the conventional treatment in controlling the incisors' angulation and position. Expansion treatment modality precedes Inter Proximal Reduction in increasing the arch perimeter