Clear aligners (Invisalign / thermoformed aligners) vs Conventional orthodontic appliance treatment
Plaque · Orthodontic patients undergoing comprehensive treatment (late mixed or permanent dentition, no active caries)
In randomized trials, clear aligners probably reduce plaque accumulation versus fixed appliances, though the subgroup estimate is imprecise and its CI crosses no effect (SMD -1.79, 95% CI -3.63 to 0.04; moderate certainty).
6 findings from 1 review
- White spot lesions, plaque accumulation and salivary caries-associated bacteria in clear aligners compared to fixed… 2023 All outcomesRange 1 to 18 months (maximum time-point per study) · University/hospital orthodontic clinics and private practice (multiple countries) · Study design: randomized controlled trialsSMD -1.79 [-3.63, 0.04]3 studies · 111 participantsModerate
- White spot lesions, plaque accumulation and salivary caries-associated bacteria in clear aligners compared to fixed… 2023 All outcomes6 months · University/hospital orthodontic clinics and private practice (multiple countries) · Follow-up: 6 monthsSMD -2.04 [-3.37, -0.70]5 studies · 253 participantsGRADE not reported
- White spot lesions, plaque accumulation and salivary caries-associated bacteria in clear aligners compared to fixed… 2023 All outcomesRange 1 to 12 months (maximum time-point per study) · University/hospital orthodontic clinics and private practice (multiple countries) · Study design: non-randomized studies of interventionsSMD -1.46 [-2.77, -0.15]5 studies · 246 participantsModerate
Show 3 more findings
- White spot lesions, plaque accumulation and salivary caries-associated bacteria in clear aligners compared to fixed… 2023 All outcomes3 months · University/hospital orthodontic clinics and private practice (multiple countries) · Follow-up: 3 monthsSMD -1.08 [-1.93, -0.24]5 studies · 211 participantsGRADE not reported
- White spot lesions, plaque accumulation and salivary caries-associated bacteria in clear aligners compared to fixed… 2023 All outcomesMaximum reported time-point per study (range 1-18 months) · University/hospital orthodontic clinics and private practice (multiple countries)SMD -1.58 [-2.57, -0.58]8 studies · 357 participantsGRADE not reported
- White spot lesions, plaque accumulation and salivary caries-associated bacteria in clear aligners compared to fixed… 2023 All outcomes12 months · University/hospital orthodontic clinics and private practice (multiple countries) · Follow-up: 12 monthsSMD -2.14 [-3.64, -0.64]3 studies · 113 participantsGRADE not reported