Long-term comparison in patients treated with clear aligners and conventional fixed appliances – Perception of pain and mucosal lesions: A prospective observational study

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (pain, mucosal lesions) underexplored in long-term orthodontic comparisons. Methods: 50 patients (25 per group) followed 18 months. VAS pain at multiple time points; mucosal lesions assessed by questionnaire. Repeated measures ANOVA and Chi-square. Results: Clear aligner group reported significantly lower VAS pain at all time points (p < 0.05) and fewer mucosal lesions (15% vs 35%, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Clear aligners associated with reduced pain and mucosal lesions vs fixed appliances, potentially improving compliance and satisfaction.