Comparative evaluation of accuracy of the orthodontic treatment outcome in predicted and achieved results using clear aligners: A prospective clinical study

Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the accuracy of the orthodontic treatment outcome in predicted and achieved results using clear aligners. Material and Methods: The study involved 20 adult participants aged 18–35, with an average age of 22 years. Materials used included a lateral cephalogram, orthopantomogram (OPG), Addition silicone impression material, Duran thermoplastic material, Open Technology Lab scanner, Autolign software, Phrozen Sonic Mini 4k 3D Printer, Biostar Thermoforming Machine, Geomagic Software Control X 2020, and Orthokal plaster. The study recorded the impression of both arches and created a 3D virtual model using Autolign software. The virtual model was segmented using Autolign software to define individual teeth, and a treatment plan was stimulated. The aligner was constructed using Duran thermoplastic material and thermoformed using a Biostar thermoforming machine. The predicted and achieved models were superimposed in Geomagic Software Control X 2020 (Version 1.1) using the first molars as reference points to check the accuracy. Results: A statistically significant difference was seen in the accuracy of the orthodontic treatment outcomes in the maxilla and mandible, with a percentage mean of 70.42% and 66.35%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the gap distance (which signifies the linear measurement between the predicted and achieved Models) of the inter-canine width between the maxilla and mandible. There was a statistically highly significant difference seen between the predicted and achieved vertical and horizontal changes in relation to the tooth type (i.e., Central incisor, Lateral incisor, Canine, etc.). Conclusion: The study found that clear aligner treatment was highly accurate in predicting and achieving orthodontic treatment outcomes, with a mean accuracy of 68.38%. The maxilla had the overall highest accuracy, where no significant differences were found between predicted and achieved results. The study also found that mandibular arch width was more predictable than the maxillary arch. Patient compliance was a significant factor in achieving predicted tooth positions.