We've developed this guide to help practices identify profitable and predictable aligner cases and then estimate the length of treatment. We call this guide our Clear Aligners - "Rule of 3."
To use this guide, review the treatment goals below and track how many apply to your potential case and where they fall on our predictability scale.
- Pro Tip: Measure total spaces or crowding with a perio probe.
Treatment Goals
Midline Discrepancy -Total (Max of 1.5 mm of shift per arch)
Will need IPR and sufficient overjet to shift midlines
Overjet Reduction - Both Arches
Will need IPR on the maxillary (upper) arch to reduce overjet
Overbite - Both Arches
Open Bite Reduction - Both Arches
For anterior open bites, only 1-2 mm closure can be done with high predictability.
Anterior Spacing - Per Arch
Anterior Crowding - Per Arch
Crossbite - Per Teeth
Estimating Treatment Duration
Now that you have collected the required information about your case use the following guides to estimate treatment length.
- Cases presenting 3 or less treatment goals depicted below can be completed in about 6-8 months. Always give a range!
- Cases with 4 or more treatment goals depicted below, OR moderate anterior spacing/crowding up to 6mm, can be treated in about 12-14 months.
Contraindications
Below, we have outlined contraindications to look out for and consider for Clear Aligners Powered by Dandy cases.
No Class III Cases
Mutilated Dentition
Lack of posterior support and appropriate anchorage units, loss of vertical dimension, presence of fixed or removable prosthesis, endodontic involvement, and compromised periodontal condition all contribute to the complexity. To move anterior teeth, there needs to exist stable posterior teeth to be used for anchorage. Multiple bridges, restorations, or missing teeth contribute to a reduction in anchorage and, therefore, a less predictable outcome.
Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth could cause root resorption, require surgical intervention to expose and bring into the arch, or extraction with a compromise final occlusion.
Transitional Dentition
Children and adolescents in transitional dentition need special consideration for eruption timing and facial growth. Lack of posterior anchorage during the transition, newly erupting anterior or posterior teeth, ectopic eruptions, and eruption cysts contribute to the complexity.
Ectopic teeth
These teeth require special auxiliaries, extractions, and periodontal conditions to manage appropriately.