Mechanical analysis of factors affecting clear aligner removability

Abstract

It is difficult to control corrective forces in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. The grip of aligners on teeth is important to ensure accurate corrective forces from aligners. This study aimed to measure the gripping force of aligners under various conditions to clarify factors that influence it. We created aligners with different attachment morphologies and placement sites and different margin lengths. We developed a device to measure the mechanics involved in the removal of these aligners. The gripping force was evaluated at five different aligner removal sites on the teeth. We found that the gripping force of the aligner was the weakest on the lingual side of the first molar and strongest on the labial side of the central incisors and that the attachment morphology and placement sites affected the gripping force of aligners.