The Efficacy of Clear Aligners in Addressing Orthodontic Relapse

Matthew Platt, DDS, on the SureSmile® clear aligner system

Orthodontic relapse is a common concern for both dental providers and their patients. After orthodontic treatments have concluded, patients may experience changes in tooth alignment over time, leading to a relapse of their original dental issues.^1-3 The emergence of SureSmile^® as an advanced clear aligner system presents a compelling solution to combat orthodontic relapse effectively. Dentists looking for a superior treatment source for cases of orthodontic relapse should consider the SureSmile system because of its precision, patient-centered approach, convenience, and successful long-term outcomes.

SureSmile aligners incorporate cutting-edge technology, reflecting a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in orthodontic care. The system utilizes state-of-the-art 3D imaging and artificial intelligence algorithms to create personalized treatment plans for each patient. By meticulously analyzing the patient's dental structure, tooth movement predictions are remarkably accurate, ensuring precise and targeted corrections during orthodontic relapse treatment. This level of precision minimizes the need for additional refinements, leading to faster, more efficient treatment outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Dental providers who offer SureSmile demonstrate their dedication to staying at the forefront of the field, attracting patients seeking advanced treatment solutions. Moreover, the seamless integration of Primescan^® into the treatment process enhances office efficiency, enabling dental providers to better manage patient cases and optimize their practice workflow.

Another benefit of the SureSmile system is the patient-centered approach, which allows treatment plans to cater to patients' individual preferences and lifestyle choices. Orthodontic relapse can be disheartening for patients who have previously undergone orthodontic treatment, so it is beneficial to offer a solution that requires minimal disruption to their daily lives. The virtually invisible nature of clear aligners allows patients to maintain their self-confidence and smile confidently during treatment, and the ability to remove the aligners in order to eat and perform oral hygiene simplifies patients' daily routines, resulting in a higher likelihood of patient compliance and treatment success.

Furthermore, SureSmile clear aligners streamline the treatment process so that fewer visits to the dental office are needed, reducing chair time and making orthodontic care more convenient. In addition, a Dentsply Sirona 3-year analysis of over 150,000 completed SureSmile aligner cases found that 75% of the SureSmile cases finished with no refinements.⁴ This means that clinicians can get predictable results that may save valuable chair time and prevent patients from experiencing the inconvenience of needing to be rescanned or needing replacement aligners.

Beyond just providing efficiency during the treatment period, the SureSmile system's personalized treatment plans and precise tooth movements result in improved long-term stability of the orthodontic corrections. Patients may be less likely to experience a relapse of their dental issues after completing SureSmile treatment when compared with other orthodontic treatment options. This may result in greater patient satisfaction and confidence in the treatment's success. Dental providers can take pride in offering a treatment option that delivers lasting results and will contribute to the practice's positive reputation.

By embracing technological advancements, dental providers position themselves as leaders within the field, which attracts new patients and fosters loyalty among existing ones. The efficacy and innovation of the SureSmile aligner system makes it an indispensable tool for dental providers seeking to deliver exceptional care and promote the long-term oral health of their patients. The precision of individualized treatment plans, patient-centered approach, and convenience of treatment offer a superior orthodontic experience for patients, and the long-term success and stability of SureSmile aligners ensure lasting results and increased patient satisfaction.

References

1. Littlewood SJ, Kandasamy S, Huang G. Retention and relapse in clinical practice. Aust Dent J. 2017;62(Suppl 1):51-57.

2. Yu Y, Sun J, Lai W, et al. Interventions for managing relapse of the lower front teeth after orthodontic treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(9):CD008734.

3. Papageorgiou SN, Koletsi D, Iliadi A, et al. Treatment outcome with orthodontic aligners and fixed appliances: a systematic review with meta-analyses. Eur J Orthod. 2020;42(3):331-343.

4. Data on file at Dentsply Sirona

Key Takeaways

1. Precision and individualized treatment for a patient-centered approach.

2. Streamlined treatment process provides convenience and time efficiency for both the patient and the dental office.

3. Improved long-term success and stability of orthodontic corrections due to personalized treatment plans.

4. Technological advancements and seamless integration with Primescan optimize the dental practice's workflow.

Matthew Platt, DDS
Private Practice
Grimes, Iowa

Manufacturer Information
Dentsply Sirona
dentsplysirona.com/suresmile
844-848-0137