Effectiveness of Clear Aligner Systems in Mixed Dentition Maxillary Transverse Deficiency

Brief Summary

he primary aim of this study is to compare the dentoalveolar and skeletal effects of arch expansion using an in-house clear aligner system, produced chairside with an indirect manufacturing technique, and commercially available clear aligner systems (Invisalign) in patients during the mixed dentition period. Participants will be allocated into five groups: Group A-In-house aligners (5-day activation protocol), Group B-In-house aligners (2-day activation protocol), Group C-Invisalign First aligners, Group D-Invisalign Palatal Expander, and Group E-untreated control group. Before treatment, demographic data, dental models, intraoral and extraoral photographs, radiographic images, and clinical measurements will be collected. Skeletal measurements, including maxillary and nasal widths, will be evaluated using posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs. Digital models of the maxilla and mandible will be obtained using an intraoral scanner and used for dental measurements before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes include evaluation of facial soft tissue changes using stereophotogrammetry (3DMD), assessment of white spot lesions using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), and analysis of patient compliance using the Orthodontic Patient Cooperation Scale. In addition, changes in body mass index (BMI), maxillary-mandibular transverse discrepancies, and appliance wear time will be evaluated.