A Closer Look at Clear Aligner Therapy

By Stacey McKinney, RDH, MSEd, Kelli D. Whittington, PhD, RN, CNE and Sandra Collins, MBA, PhD

The specialty of orthodontics has greatly evolved from the introduction of metal braces in the mid-1940s.¹ While traditional metal brackets and wires are still used to straighten teeth and correct malocclusions, orthodontics offers a variety of other treatment modalities, including clear aligner therapy (CAT) systems that are effective in the treatment of mild to moderate irregularities.² These removable and less visible systems are attractive to adults seeking corrective alignment. Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1998, CAT can address minor positioning problems to more complex malocclusions.³ Dental hygienists should be prepared to discuss CAT with patients considering the treatment, including contraindications and possible complications, as well as provide excellent care and education to those patients currently undergoing the treatment. 

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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