Clear aligners are incredibly popular and have provided millions of people with improvements to their teeth’s positioning and appearance. But while most people have positive treatment outcomes, this isn’t always the case. Now, a research team has sought to create a standardized approach that can increase the chances of all patients receiving excellent treatment outcomes.
Clear aligners continue to grow in popularity and are becoming increasingly common. In fact, they are transforming orthodontic care.
Clear aligners work discreetly to slowly align teeth that are misaligned – known as malocclusion. They have transformed the appearance of many people’s teeth.
However, some challenges do exist with clear aligners, and they are not always effective. There are some factors that can impact their effectiveness.
Now, new research has looked into creating an approach that ensures more predictable results and strong treatment outcomes.
Clear Aligners
The global market for clear aligners has been growing significantly in recent years. The global market size was an estimated $6.51 billion in 2024 [2].
Clear aligners are custom made to fit the exact measurements of a patient’s teeth. Then over time, aligners apply consistent pressure to guide teeth into their ideal location.
As mentioned, clear aligners aim to fix misaligned teeth. Misaligned teeth not only affect the appearance of a person’s teeth, but they also impact the functioning of teeth. This can cause difficulties in eating and swallowing in some cases.
The process of aligning takes time, but can produce very effective results. Unfortunately, not everyone will see an improvement in their appearance.
Because clear aligners rely on elastic forces to work, this can complicate complex corrections. Their effectiveness also requires a patient to follow instructions. Moreover, anatomical limitations can further impact their effectiveness [1].
The challenges mentioned above have, according to researchers, necessitated the need for a standardized approach towards clear aligners to ensure better results.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from Sichuan University in China. Their findings have been published in the International Journal of Oral Science [1].
The researchers were aiming to create a standardized approach, which involved coming up with a consensus on best practices [1].
The researchers noted through their analysis that there are strengths and weaknesses to clear aligners. Predicting movements like molar distalization and expansion were praised as strengths [1].
However, the researchers noticed during their analysis that mechanical elements had some limitations. For example, these included torque control and extrusion [1].
The researchers developed a tool called CAT-CAT, with CAT standing for “clear aligner treatment” [1]. This tool grades cases into four levels of difficulty – easy, moderate, difficult, and challenging [1].
Therefore, this tool can be used by clinicians to plan treatment for their patients. Depending on the level of challenge that a patient’s teeth present, a different strategy can be followed [1].
For example, in complex – or ‘challenging’ – cases, the model recommends staged movements, mini-implants and overcorrection designs [1].
Furthermore, the researchers have emphasized the importance of making specific considerations for every patient. Adolescent growth potential and existing gum health should be monitored closely [1].
The researchers also suggest that 3D modelling should be used when possible, as this can enhance precision and personalize treatment to produce optimum results [1].
Overall, the researchers were pleased to reach a consensus. This consensus has the potential to have a large impact and should offer a framework for clinical aligner use worldwide [1].
The researchers believe that the CAT-CAT tool can help to tailor treatments, reduce trial and error approaches, and improve treatment outcomes [1]. Therefore, their work has numerous benefits for everyone involved.
Summary
The researchers hope that their analysis of different tooth movements and solutions for common complications can result in improvements in patient outcomes.
Professor Wenli Lai was one of the authors of the study and has commented on the findings. Lai says that “our consensus provides a roadmap for clinicians to navigate complexities,” which can lead to “predictable and efficient outcomes” [3].
Continuing, Lai said that “by integrating advanced digital planning and patient-specific strategies, we can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology” [3].
The researchers hope that they can further refine and develop the CAT-CAT tool in the future. They have proposed utilizing artificial intelligence-driven planning as a future area of development [3].
This is a very positive development. A critical part of any clear aligner treatment is the patient’s experience. By producing a standardized approach, this should improve the results for patients.
Thinking points…
[1] As discussed above, clear aligners are incredibly popular and are very effective. One of the best-known and popular clear aligner brands is Invisalign™. Invisalign™ offers a range of benefits, with these aligners straightening teeth over time, with their clear colour meaning that they are often unnoticeable. Here at our Calgary based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free Invisalign™ consultations! We would love to have a discussion with you about this, to find out more and to book a free consultation, you can visit our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
[2] In terms of your overall oral health, it is important to remember that irrespective of if you have straight or misaligned teeth – it is crucial to look after your oral health! Therefore, make sure you take strong care of your teeth. One aspect of this involves attending the dentist regularly for a dental check-up. At a check-up, a dentist can take a thorough look at your mouth and provide you with advice and information. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Wang, Y., Long, H., Zhao, Z., et al. (2025). Expert consensus on the clinical strategies for orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. International Journal of Oral Science. 17 (19). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41368-025-00350-2.
[2] Grand View Research. (2024). Clear Aligners Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Age (Adults, Teens), By Material (Polyurethane, Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), By End-use, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 – 2030. Available: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/clear-aligners-market. Last accessed: 2nd May 2025.
[3] Chinese Academy of Sciences. (2025). From aesthetics to precision: How clear aligners are transforming orthodontic care. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-aesthetics-precision-aligners-orthodontic.html. Last accessed: 2nd May 2025.
