Research Progress on Clinical Application of Clear Aligner Technology

Abstract

In an era of growing global emphasis on oral health, the fitting of orthodontic appliances has become a major method in orthodontic treatment. Among these, the clinical use of clear aligners has increased globally year by year. Although clear aligner techn ology is a favored option in orthodontic treatment, it still faces critical limitations, including suboptimal treatment efficiency, restricted clinical indications, and inconsistent tooth movement. To resolve these issues and enhance clinical application, this study reviews literature published over the past 10 years on the development process, technical principles, and drawbacks of application appliances in invisible orthodontics. Finally, this review identifies key unresolved challenges, including insufficient final alignment accuracy, incorrect tooth movement predictions in digital modeling, and limited applicability to complex malocclusion cases. By delving into these challenges and emerging advanced trends, the paper will address gaps in existing resear ch and provide targeted direction for further development and research. This insight will foster domestic promotion and digital advancement in orthodontics, including artificial intelligence-assisted tooth modeling and the prediction of precise tooth movement.