Category: Oral Health

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.

The Alberta Dental Association has called for an Alberta-only provincial dental program to be launched. They believe that the current system of the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the existing provincial program have major shortcomings. They have put forward a few reasons why they believe a new system would be effective and improve the oral health of Albertans.

The ongoing rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has put a spotlight on oral health in Canada.

The CDCP has helped many people, and in some cases, has worked well alongside and complimented existing federal and provincial dental programs.

However, the President of the Alberta Dental Association (ADA) has recently suggested that both the CDCP and existing programs have major shortcomings [1].

Therefore, the ADA have argued that these shortcomings need to be addressed. In fact, the ADA is calling for a made-in Alberta provincial dental plan [1].

They have put forward a few reasons why they believe this would be effective, and how it addresses the problems they have identified [1].

Calls for made-in Alberta Plan

As mentioned, the ADA have suggested that there are shortcomings in the CDCP. This opinion has been put forward by their President – Dr. Hans Herchen [1].

Therefore, Herchen has called for a made-in Alberta provincial dental plan. The ADA suggest that this plan would build on the strengths of the existing provincial dental program, addresses its gaps, and integrates funding from the CDCP [1].

Herchen has said that the ADA wish “to draw attention to the fact that both federal and provincial dental programs have a lot of administrative challenges,” and that there is a need to “resolve that red tape” [1].

Continuing, Herchen says that “we can provide better care on budget for patients in Alberta” [1]. The ADA have put forward several reasons to explain why they are advocating for a new, Alberta-specific, dental plan.

The CDCP undermines employer-based insurance

The first reason put forward by the ADA revolves around a perceived interference from the CDCP on employer-based insurance [1].

Currently, many Canadians receive dental insurance through their employer. However, a third of people living in Canada did not have insurance as of 2023 [2].

Therefore, existing federal and provincial programs aim to help those without coverage. But the ADA have suggested this model may not be sustainable.

There have been long-term concerns from many that the CDCP could result in employers stopping dental benefits. This could have a negative long-term impact.

Herchen has said that “the biggest risk factor with [the] CDCP is the damage to the existing dental insurance plans, the employer-based plans” [1].

Continuing, Herchen says that the ADA are “very concerned that the well-served population will be losing their excellent dental plans, replaced with a less sufficient provincial or federal plan” [1].

Potential to improve the existing Alberta provincial dental plan

The ADA have pointed out that there are some strengths of the existing Alberta provincial dental plan [1]. If these strengths are leveraged, it could negate the need for the CDCP.

However, Herchen does say that provincial dental plans need to be “modernized,” due to being outdated and limiting [1].

Herchen mentioned that there are “a large number of Alberta dental patients that are currently underserved by provincial dental plans” [1].

This problem has been impacted too by the problem of struggling to recruit dental hygienists and assistants in Alberta.

Herchen believes that a better-structured provincial dental plan could attract more dental workers [1]. This would provide more choice and supply for patients.

Potential benefits of opting out of the CDCP

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has previously announced that the province will be opting out of the CDCP from 2026 [3].

The ADA have also supported opting out of the CDCP. The belief is that this will enable Alberta to have a more effective and efficient provincial program [1].

This would mean that Alberta residents would no longer have access to the CDCP. But such a system would enable the Alberta government to receive the same federal funding that had been allocated to the CDCP [1].

Moreover, Herchen has suggested that this would offer “better coverage for Albertans,” whilst also lowering costs for taxpayers [1].

Tailoring solutions to Alberta’s demographics

As with any large country, different towns and cities will inevitably have different demographics. Alberta’s demographics are unique in Canada.

Herchen points out that Alberta “has a very large young population” [1]. This burgeoning population has driven a higher demand for dental services.

However, Herchen noted that the CDCP targets the older demographic. Therefore, he has suggested that the CDCP isn’t relevant for many people in Alberta.

This means that an Alberta-only plan could better tailor services to Alberta’s specific demographics. For example, services could be based more on those in demand by the younger population of Alberta.

Funding concerns

Finally, there are some funding concerns with the CDCP, which threatens its long-term sustainability. This is impacted by political, economic, and social factors.

Federal elections are already scheduled, with concerns around what will happen if the Conservative Party secure power. It has been speculated that funding for the CDCP could be stopped.

Indeed, Herchen says that “there is a lot of politics” involved [1]. Furthermore, he has pointed out that the CDCP’s fee increase for 2025 has not kept up with inflation.

Herchen also said that “most people’s experience with government programs is that they become increasingly restrictive over time” [1]. Clearly, Herchen has a range of concerns about the long-term feasibility of the CDCP.

Summary

These various reasons underline the ADA’s rationale for wanting an Alberta-only dental plan to exist. It could have a positive impact on the oral health of Albertans.

The different areas outlined look to safeguard the future of dental programs in Alberta and aid the overall health of the residents.

It will be interesting to see how oral health progresses in Canada over the next 12 months, with this likely to have consequences for every province.

Thinking points…

1) If you are from Alberta, you may be aware of our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental! Here at Savanna Dental, we offer a range of services, including routine check-ups, emergency dentistry, and cosmetic treatments among others. We always provide a warm welcome to our patients. You can find out more about us on our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

2) Irrespective of what province you are from, or even country for that matter, looking after your oral health is very important! An effective way of contributing towards strong oral health is to attend regular dental check-ups. At a check-up, a dentist can look at your oral health and provide advice. You should attend the dentist at least once every six months. We recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible!

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] Al-Shibeeb, D. (2025). Top reasons Alberta Dental Association is calling for a ‘modern’ insurance plan after experience with CDCP. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/top-reasons-albertas-dental-association-is-calling-for-a-modern-insurance-plan-after-experience-with-cdcp-1003985471/. Last accessed: 3rd April 2025.

[2] Health Canada. (2023). The Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html/. Last accessed: 3rd April 2025.

[3] Brown, J. (2024). ‘Trolling for conflict’: Federal health minister says Alberta premier playing politics on dental care. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/smith-dental-plan-ottawa-opt-out-1.7247203. Last accessed: 3rd April 2025.

A team of researchers have developed a new dental treatment which is designed to protect the teeth from decay and acid erosion. Unusually, the researchers have taken inspiration from the United Kingdom’s iconic Forth Bridge. The technology involved in the bridge’s paint has been utilized to develop the treatment, which is called Varnish VLC.

When we think of the creation of a new dental treatment, you may have the image of scientists working in a laboratory, or researchers analyzing huge amounts of data.

However, this is not always the case. The recent creation of a new dental treatment has been developed through using technology involved in the paint of the United Kingdom’s Forth Bridge [1]!

The treatment aims to protect the teeth from decay and acid erosion [1]. These are common issues, meaning that any treatment is highly sought after.

Background

Forth Bridge is located in Scotland, 14 kilometers to the west of the capital city, Edinburgh. It is a well-known sight and one of the most iconic bridges in the United Kingdom. The bridge carries approximately 200 trains per day.

The bridge was completed in the late 1800s and is seen as one of the shining examples of Victorian engineering. Moreover, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The bridge is known for its red paint. There have been numerous efforts in the past century to repaint the bridge. The most recent effort was in 2002, with significant preparation and data analysis taking place to prepare the bridge for painting [2].

In total, 240,000 litres of paint were used, with the enormous project finally being completed in 2011 [2]. Over a decade later, the paint is having an impact again, this time on the dental industry.

Varnish VLC

The research was carried out by a team from Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom [1].

The research has led to the development of a new dental treatment. This new treatment has been called Varnish VLC [1].

The researchers used civil engineering technology that had been used to create the Forth Bridge paint [1]. This technology was utilized in a way that its principles could be applied to dentistry.

The technology involved in creating Varnish VLC is called flake glass. This is a type of technology that has been used to protect tanks, vessels and pipelines from corrosion due to its incredible capability of protecting against harsh weather elements [1].

In terms of Forth Bridge, this technology was used during its construction. Incredibly, the technology provided almost 25 years of protection before requiring maintenance [1].

Now, the researchers have adapted this technology to the field of oral health. Utilizing the technology of flake glass, the researchers have been able to develop Varnish VLC.

In a similar way to how flake glass has enabled Forth Bridge to remain strong all these years, the idea is that it will be able to serve the same purpose for our teeth.

Varnish VLC mimics the natural properties of enamel, which allows the treatment to reduce wear and prevent damage to the teeth [1]. Enamel is the strongest material in the human body.

The idea is that Varnish VLC will be able to be applied to the teeth like a paste – similarly to how fluoride varnishes work.

Moreover, it is non-invasive, which offers a further benefit. Dentists can easily apply the treatment during check-ups.

Therefore, Varnish VLC will help to protect teeth from tooth decay and acid erosion, and effectively provide a layer of protection above the enamel.

Comments from the researchers

The researchers were very pleased with the creation of Varnish VLC. It certainly has the potential to make a significant impact on protecting teeth.

Dr. Saroash Shahid was the lead researcher on the project. Shahid said “it might sound unusual, but the challenges are similar: both teeth and bridges are exposed to harsh conditions, both suffer from corrosion, and both are difficult to protect” [1].

Continuing, Shahid said that “we believe this product has the potential to change preventive dentistry, particularly for children” [1]. While children will benefit the most from this treatment, adults should also get some benefit from this treatment.

Shahid finished by saying that the researchers “are excited to bring it to all children in England and particularly those in our local community in East London” [1].

In terms of the next steps, a six-month trial is ongoing. This trial is testing the effectiveness of Varnish VLC in a real-world environment [1].

Therefore, this trial will provide the researchers with knowledge on if the treatment will work in practice. If so, the treatment could shortly be rolled out.

Overall, any treatment for protecting teeth is in demand. By protecting our oral health, it improves our overall health and contributes towards a strong quality of life and wellbeing.

Thinking points…

1) This treatment appears to be most effective for children. If you have children, remember about how important visits to the dentist are! While Varnish VLC isn’t yet being rolled out, dentists can provide advice and look for any issues with the oral health of your children. Therefore, make sure they attend the dentist at least once every six months! Why not book them in for an appointment now?

2) While looking after oral health in children is important, it is crucial that adults also take good care of their dental health. As alluded to above, attending dental check-ups every 6 months can be very helpful, as they provide a chance for a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health and treat any problems. Therefore, remember to book an appointment soon!

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] Queen Mary, University of London. (2025). Scientists use technology behind Forth Bridge paint to create dental treatment. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-scientists-technology-bridge-dental-treatment.html. Last accessed: 21st March 2025.

[2] Wilkes, D. (2011). We really have finished painting the Forth Bridge: The job they said would never end is completed after 127 years. Available: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2072233/We-really-finished-painting-Forth-Bridge-The-job-said-end-completed-127-years.html. Last accessed: 21st March 2025.