• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.275-281
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• 2015

Objective: To assess the accuracy of anterior tooth movement using clear aligners in integrated three-dimensional digital models. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography was performed before and after treatment with clear aligners in 32 patients. Plaster casts were laser-scanned for virtual setup and aligner fabrication. Differences in predicted and achieved root and crown positions of anterior teeth were compared on superimposed maxillofacial digital images and virtual models and analyzed by Student's t-test. Results: The mean discrepancies in maxillary and mandibular crown positions were $0.376{\pm}0.041mm$ and $0.398{\pm}0.037mm$, respectively. Maxillary and mandibular root positions differed by $2.062{\pm}0.128mm$ and $1.941{\pm}0.154mm$, respectively. Conclusions: Crowns but not roots of anterior teeth can be moved to designated positions using clear aligners, because these appliances cause tooth movement by tilting motion.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.23-34
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the force delivery profile of thermoformed aligners (TFA) compared with direct-printed aligners (DPA) and to explore the effect of different activation amounts on forces and moments of respective groups. A secondary objective is to observe the amount of stress relaxation that occurs over the 7~14 days when aligners are maintained in a simulated intraoral environment. Materials and Methods: An in vitro setup was created to quantify forces and moments. It consisted of a three dimensional-printed base plate and segmented maxillary teeth, placed in a semi-enclosed chamber to maintain a temperature of 37℃. Ninety clear aligners were divided into nine groups of ten aligners each based on material types (Zendura, ATMOS, TC-85) and activation amounts. Aligners were created with 0.00, 0.25- and 0.50-mm activations for lingual bodily movement of the upper left central incisor and kept on models in the "stressed" position in a 37℃ water bath. Three force components acting on the upper left lateral incisor, upper left central incisor, and upper right central incisor were measured for each time point, beginning from the initial baseline measurement, 8 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, and lastly, 14 days. Result: TC-85 aligners in every activation group showed less force on teeth than Zendura and ATMOS. Significant force levels from 0.0 mm activation were present and stayed consistent over the course of 14 days. Comparisons made for baseline measurements to 7-days and 14-days showed statistically significant change from the baseline force level. Conclusion: TC-85 aligners demonstrated lower, more consistent forces with fewer side effects. Aligners can generate forces even when no activation is programmed. No major decreases in force levels over time were observed; the intra-oral clinical simulated environment and length of observation time could contribute to this.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.32-42
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• 2021

Objective: To investigate the three-dimensional forces created by clear aligners on mandibular teeth during differential activation with en-masse retraction and/or intrusion in vitro. Methods: Six sets of clear aligners were designed for differential en-masse retraction and/or intrusion procedures in a first premolar extraction model. Group A0 was a control group with no activation. Groups A1-5 underwent different degrees of retractions and/or intrusions. Each group consisted of 10 aligners. Aligner forces were measured on a multi-axis force/torque transducer measurement system in real-time. Results: In the en-masse retraction groups (A1 and A2), lingual and extrusive forces were observed on the incisors; the canines mainly received distal forces; intrusive forces were seen on the second premolars; and the molars received mesial forces. In the en-masse retraction and intrusion groups (A3, A4, and A5), incisors also received lingual and extrusive forces; canines received distal and intrusive forces; mesial and extrusive forces were seen on the second premolars; and the second molars received distal and intrusive forces. The vertical forces on the incisors did not differ significantly among groups A1, A3, and A5. However, the vertical forces on the second premolars reversed from intrusion in group A1 to extrusion in groups A3 and A5. Conclusions: With clear aligners, the "bowing effect" is seen during en-masse anterior teeth retraction and can be partially relieved by performing en-masse retraction accompanied by anterior teeth intrusion. Vertical control of incisors remained unsolved during en-masse retraction, even when intrusive activation was added to the anterior teeth.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제52권6호
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• pp.439-450
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• 2022

This case report describes the treatment of an adult female patient with a history of periodontal disease, Class I malocclusion with extrusion, dental spaces, and pathologic tooth migration. The patient was treated with clear aligners, which effectively controlled the strength and direction of orthodontic forces after 3 months of systematic periodontal treatment. The Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index was calculated from study models before and after treatment. The pretreatment PAR score was 24, and the posttreatment PAR score was 4. The PAR score for this patient changed by 83%. Satisfactory appearance and good function were achieved for this patient.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제53권4호
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• pp.264-275
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• 2023

Objective: To investigate the effects of maxillary orthodontic expansion on the alveolar bone tissue in adult patients treated with aligners by using cone-beam computed tomography. Methods: Thirty patients (22 females and 8 males; mean age: 36.3 years) were treated with Invisalign^® aligners. Cone-beam computed tomography and digital models were obtained before (T0) and after (T1) upper arch expansion. The bone thicknesses in the cervical, middle, and apical areas of the incisors, canines, premolar, and first molars were buccally and palatally measured, totaling 96 areas and 2,880 measurements. The buccolingual inclinations and transverse measurements of the teeth were obtained from digital models to correlate them with the bone changes. The statistical tests used were Student's t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation tests (p < 0.05). Results: From the 96 areas evaluated, 84 revealed an increase or stability in the alveolar bone thickness and twelve displayed significant bone loss. Bone changes did not correlate with the tooth inclination and transverse measurements. Conclusions: Within the limitation of the present study, mild levels of upper arch expansion obtained with Invisalign^® aligners in adult patients did not result in any clinically significant loss of alveolar bone thickness.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제53권6호
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• pp.420-430
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this finite element method (FEM) study was to analyze the biomechanical differences and tooth displacement patterns according to the traction direction, methods, and sites for total distalization of the mandibular dentition using clear aligner treatment (CAT). Methods: A finite element analysis was performed on four FEM models using different traction methods (via a precision cut hook or button) and traction sites (mandibular canine or first premolar). A distalization force of 1.5 N was applied to the traction site by changing the direction from -30 to +30° to the occlusal plane. The initial tooth displacement and von Mises stress on the clear aligners were analyzed. Results: All CAT-based total distalization groups showed an overall trend of clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane as the force direction varied. Mesiodistal tipping of individual teeth was more prominent than that of bodily movements. The initial displacement pattern of the mandibular teeth was more predominant based on the traction site than on the traction method. The elastic deformation of clear aligners is attributed to unintentional lingual tipping or extrusion of the mandibular anterior teeth. Conclusions: The initial tooth displacement can vary according to different distalization strategies for CAT-based total distalization. Discreet application and biomechanical understanding of traction sites and directions are necessary for appropriate mandibular total distalization.

• 대한심미치과학회지
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.36-45
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• 2023

심미적인 전치부의 모습은 자연스럽고 건강한 미소를 위한 필수요건이며 대인관계의 자신감을 위해서도 중요한 요소이다. 전치부의 총생이=나 전돌이 존재하는 경우 단기간에 해결하기 위해 근관치료 및 과도한 치아삭제가 요구되는 경우가 많다. 하지만 이런 술식은 지속가능한 심미적 결과를 만들기 어렵다. 이런 경우 교정치료가 병행되어야만 수복이 필요한 치아들도 잔존 치질을 최대한 보존할 수 있을 것이다. 중장년층 환자들의 경우 교정 치료의 필요성을 절감하면서도 사회적 시선을 의식하여 브라켓을 이용한 전통적 방식의 교정치료 방법을 주저하는 경우가 많다. 이런 경우 투명교정장치는 좋은 선택지가 될 수 있다. 이에 투명교정만으로 심미적 요구를 해결한 증례와, 투명교정을 동반한 새로운 수복치료를 통해 만족스러운 결과를 얻은 다른 증례를 보고한다.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.90-100
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of achievement of anterior tooth movement using a thermoplastic clear aligner by superimposing pretreatment, setup, and post-treatment models and to analyze the factors that influence it. Materials and Methods: Forty patients who underwent clear aligner treatment at the Department of Orthodontics were included in the study. The pretreatment, setup, and post-treatment models were superimposed, and the achievement rates were evaluated. We analyzed the factors that caused changes in achievement rate on each condition. Result: The average achievement rate of total tooth movement was 57.65%. Mesiodistal and anteroposterior displacements were achieved better than vertical displacement and rotation. In each displacement, posterior, mesial, and extrusive movements were better achieved than the rotation. Spacing was better corrected than crowding, especially in the mesiodistal direction. Most of the tooth movements were achieved better when using 3-step thicknesses of aligners were used. Conclusion: The treatment results of clear aligners may differ depending on the type of tooth movement, age and other treatment conditions. Clinicians should consider unfavorable conditions based on the results of this study.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.130-141
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• 2017

The aim of this case report was to describe an innovative orthodontic treatment method that combined surgical and orthodontic techniques. The novel method was used to achieve a positive result in a case of moderate crowding by employing a computer-guided piezocision procedure followed by the use of clear aligners. A 23-year-old woman had a malocclusion with moderate crowding. Her periodontal indices, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and treatment time were evaluated. The treatment included interproximal corticotomy cuts extending through the entire thickness of the cortical layer, without a full-thickness flap reflection. This was achieved with a three-dimensionally printed surgical guide using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Orthodontic force was applied to the teeth immediately after surgery by using clear appliances for better control of tooth movement. The total treatment time was 8 months. The periodontal indices improved after crowding correction, but the oral health impact profile showed a slight deterioration of OHRQoL during the 3 days following surgery. At the 2-year retention follow-up, the stability of treatment was excellent. The reduction in surgical time and patient discomfort, increased periodontal safety and patient acceptability, and accurate control of orthodontic movement without the risk of losing anchorage may encourage the use of this combined technique in appropriate cases.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.115-127
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• 2023

The demand for orthodontic clear aligner therapy (CAT) has increased significantly over the last decade, offering advantages over the fixed appliances (FA) including enhanced aesthetics, better hygiene and comfort, along with minimal restrictions on the patient's diet. Moreover, a marked improvement in the efficacy of tooth movement using aligners has been documented. On the contrary, there have been known limitations of CAT including the compliances issues and the apparent lack of efficacy for certain types of tooth movement such as closure of extraction space compared to FA. Thus, evidence-based evaluation of the accuracy of prediction of tooth movement with clear aligners and their ability to effectively perform major tooth and root movements compared to FA are crucial. Although several systematic reviews have investigated various aspects of the effectiveness of CAT, we are yet to obtain a rather conclusive answer to this question. The current review attempted to summarize the evidence-based findings of most systematic reviews about CAT available to date. Major issues regarding the predictability of tooth movement, the role of attachments and auxiliaries in improving the effectiveness of CAT, and the treatment outcomes in comparison to FA were investigated. Clinical recommendation have been also elaborated based on the interpretation of the findings of all systematic reviews included in this study.