Unplanned tooth movement in deepbite correction with Invisalign: A retrospective study

Background

This study aimed to investigate unplanned tooth movements in deepbite correction with Invisalign.

Methods

The sample consisted of 34 adult patients with deepbite malocclusion treated with Invisalign. Pretreatment and predicted digital models were exported from ClinCheck software, while the post-treatment model was obtained from an intraoral scan taken at the end of the first set of aligners. Digital models’ superimposition was done using the eModel “Compare” software. Frequency and percentage of occurrence of unplanned linear and angular movements, their magnitude, and direction were then determined. In addition, comparison of unplanned movements was performed between anterior and posterior teeth as well as between linear and angular measurements.

Results

The percentage of unplanned movements ranged from 1.68% to 25.63% in the maxilla and 3.36% to 23.95% in the mandible, being most evident in the first and second molars. Unplanned movements were statistically significantly more frequent in posterior teeth compared with the anterior teeth (P > 0.05). In addition, the frequency of angular movements was statistically significantly higher for each tooth than linear movement (P < 0.05) with a higher mean value. Unplanned mesiodistal movements were the least frequent.

Conclusions

Unplanned linear as well as angular movements were evident in almost all teeth. Unplanned faciolingual inclination and mesiodistal angulation movements were the most frequently observed. Unplanned vertical movements can affect the predictability of deepbite correction and thus merit particular attention in those cases.