Biomechanics with Aligner Treatment

The biomechanics involved in clear aligner therapy is crucial to the delivery of optimal results to the patients having this type of treatment. Most of the treatment is planned virtually and knowledge in key aspects of biomechanics with clear aligners is crucial to understanding the tooth movement that can be undertaken with aligners. The biomechanical principles are very different to those applied with conventional fixed appliances. Over time clear aligners have been applied increasingly successfully to a more varied range of malocclusions, and it is important that the end user understands their mode of action and how they differ in force delivery from other types of appliances. This chapter aims at explaining how the materials are involved in producing the biomechanics witnessed with clear aligners and the latter’s interaction with attachments. The final part of the chapter also provides clinical tips at improving certain aspects of the finishing stages with aligners.