Clear Aligner Treatment in Denmark – A Questionnaire Survey among Citizens and Dental Practitioners in Denmark

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates clear aligner treatment (CAT) of adult patients in private dental practice and aims to identify: 1) The awareness of and knowledge about CAT among citizens, 2) how citizens who have received CAT experience the treatment and 3) how general dentists and orthodontists assess CAT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on an observational cross-sectional questionnaire investigation. Two separate online questionnaires were sent out to all private dental clinics in Denmark and to a group of 2000 citizens aged ≥18 years. RESULTS: 217 citizens and 200 practitioners were included in the analysis. The citizens' awareness of CAT was poor in general, and younger citizens were more aware of CAT. The citizens most often became aware of CAT through their own dentist or through friends and family. The citizens were in general satisfied with their treatments.The practitioners always/often informed about all parameters possible. The most frequent indication for CAT was cosmetics. The orthodontists more often included a lateral cephalogram in the diagnostics before CAT and more often made changes and more comprehensive changes to the digital treatment plan. The orthodontists were less satisfied with CAT compared to the general dentists. CONCLUSIONS: This study has provided valuable knowledge on the awareness and satisfaction of CAT among the citizens and indicated how practitioners assess CAT of adult patients in private dental practice in Denmark.