Year : 2024

Volume : Volume 16

Issue : Issue 5

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Nikisha Urade
nikishakirloskar@gmail.com

Abstract

Clear aligner therapy has transformed the landscape of orthodontic treatment by offering patients a discreet, comfortable, and effective alternative to traditional fixed appliances. However, clear aligners alone have mechanical limitations that challenge their ability to achieve complex dental movements such as rotation, extrusion, and torque. To address these shortcomings, composite attachments have become an essential component of aligner-based therapy. These attachments improve aligner retention and force delivery by serving as force modifiers or directional aids, enabling the aligners to exert more effective and predictable pressures on the teeth. This comprehensive review explores the types, biomechanics, clinical implications, esthetic challenges, and future innovations related to attachments in clear aligner orthodontic therapy. Drawing from multiple academic studies and clinical trials, the review highlights the integral role attachments play in enhancing aligner performance and treatment outcomes. Keywords: Aligners, Attachments, Clinical effectiveness, Orthodontics, Position, positioning, Tooth movement.