Can esthetically pleasing aligners change the root morphologies? – A narrative review

Abstract

Background: The occurrence of root resorption (RR) is an unavoidable result of orthodontic treatment. Finding a straightforward approach to its prevention remains a challenge. It is a tragic occurrence when radiographically detected, even though it is rarely severe. The application of force starts a sequence of biological mechanisms. Although we are well aware of how and when it is provoked, we are unable to foresee what will happen in the end. In the past few years, clear aligner therapy has become very popular. Although not much data has been established describing RR after this treatment. Aim: The following review determines the effect of aligner therapy on the resorption of roots leading to the shortening of root length. Methods: Research publications were searched on search engines such as Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar using terms such as “RR,” “risk factors of RR” and “effects of clear aligner therapy on RR.” These publications were then collected. Results: For this review, 30 articles were collected and further used to formulate this review. Conclusion: (1) Most affected teeth were the maxillary central and lateral incisors post aligner therapy. (2) Multiple factors that influenced RR were gender, malocclusion, the severity of crowding, type of tooth movement, and close approximation of root toward the cortical plate (3) Clear aligner therapy is comparable to LightForce fixed orthodontics appliances but surpasses heavy-force orthodontic appliances in the terms of the risk associated with developing RR.