Clear aligners (Invisalign / thermoformed aligners) vs Conventional orthodontic appliance treatment
White spot lesion incidence · Orthodontic patients undergoing comprehensive treatment (late mixed or permanent dentition, no active caries)
Most studies reported a lower incidence of white spot lesions with clear aligners than fixed appliances, but heterogeneous assessment methods precluded meta-analysis (ungraded).
1 finding from 1 review
- White spot lesions, plaque accumulation and salivary caries-associated bacteria in clear aligners compared to fixed… 2023 All outcomesEnd of orthodontic treatment (varying) · University/hospital orthodontic clinics and private practice (multiple countries)Not meta-analyzed (heterogeneous methods; tooth-based vs patient-based incidence). 4 studies assessed WSL incidence; 3 (Albhaisi 2020 [12]; Buschang 2019 [29]; Dallel 2020 [30]) reported a lower risk of developing WSLs…4 studiesGRADE not reported