The efficacy of anterior open bite closure when using Invisalign's optimized extrusion versus conventional attachments

Background

Clear aligners are reported to control anterior open bites. Despite this, anterior extrusion remains difficult with aligners. Optimized extrusion attachments on incisors may facilitate anterior extrusion to correct open bite with Invisalign. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the efficacy of anterior open bite correction with Invisalign when using optimized extrusion versus conventional attachments.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. The pre- and post-treatment intraoral scans of patients with anterior open bite treated with Invisalign aligners were assessed. Patients were divided into two groups: group A, patients with horizontal conventional attachments and group B, patients with optimized extrusion attachments on incisors. The pre and post-treatment overbite and the planned overbite change were measured and compared between the groups. Descriptive statistics were computed and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 86 patients were included. Both groups showed significant increases in overbite, but there was no difference in the open bite correction efficacy in patients with conventional versus optimized attachments. Shorter treatment times for open bite closure were reported for patients with optimized attachments.

Conclusions

Anterior open bite can be corrected regardless of the attachment type. Optimized attachments are no more effective than using conventional attachments in incisor extrusion to correct open bite. Patients with anterior open bite with optimized attachments observed shorter treatment times for overbite correction. When correcting anterior open bite with Invisalign, the attachment type does not improve the success rate. Optimized extrusion attachments on incisors may shorten the treatment time compared to conventional attachments.