What is a Cutout?
A cutout is a half-moon cut in CandidPro aligners designed to accommodate the bonding of an orthodontic button on the tooth.
How to Use a Cutout
Cutouts are used to hold elastics via an orthodontic button, aiding in various orthodontic corrections, such as:
Class II (CII) malocclusions
Class III (CIII) malocclusions
Open bites
Rotations
Crossbites
Best Practices When Using Cutouts
To ensure the effective use of cutouts in CandidPro aligners, follow these best practices:
- Cutouts should be placed starting at stage 1 of the treatment
- Ensure that the bonding flush does not interfere with the placement or fitting of the aligner.
Limitations to Using Cutouts
Be aware of the following limitations when using cutouts:
- The effectiveness of cutouts may be reduced if the patient has short clinical crowns.
- Cutouts should not be too close to adjacent teeth to avoid interference or complications.
- Classic Shape: Used on anterior teeth and premolars.
- Bell Shape: Used on molars
Weight and Length of Elastics
Elastics should be chosen based on clinical criteria. High-strength elastics are not recommended for use with slits.
Placement of Cutouts
Default placement for cutouts is as follows:
- Class II (CII): Upper canines/lower first molar.
- Class III (CIII): Lower canines/upper first molar.
- Other Uses: Placement depends on the required correction (e.g., rotation, open bite, crossbite)
Impact on Tooth Movement
Tooth movement can be affected depending on the direction of the force and the specific correction being performed. Clinical evaluation is essential when using elastics to monitor and adjust treatment as needed.
Mid-Treatment Adjustments
Cutouts can be requested at any time during the aligner treatment, including after tooth rotation has been expressed.
What is a Slit?
A slit is an M-shaped cut made in CandidPro aligners. This design feature facilitates the placement of elastics, which are essential in various orthodontic corrections.
How to Use an Elastic Slit
Slits are utilized to hold elastics during aligner treatment. The elastics assist in correcting various dental issues, including:
Class II (CII) malocclusions
Class III (CIII) malocclusions
Open bites
Rotations
Crossbites
Best Practices When Using Slits
To ensure the effective use of slits in CandidPro aligners, follow these best practices:
- Slits should be placed starting at stage 1 of the treatment.
- By default, no attachments are placed with slits unless specifically requested or if there is a lack of retention.
- Slits can be requested on the Intake form when planning the treatment.
Limitations to Using CandidPro Slits
While slits are highly beneficial, there are certain limitations to be aware of:
- The effectiveness of slits may be reduced if the patient has short clinical crowns.
- Slits should not be too close to adjacent teeth to avoid interference or complications.
- By default, no attachments are placed with slits unless specifically requested or if there is a lack of retention.
Cutouts and Slits in the Treatment Plan viewer
Cutouts and Slits are very closely related in the Treatment Planning software. Note that the U of Cutouts open at the gumline to show the U-shaped cut for the attachments, while the U of Slits opens away from the gums to show the two lines cut into the aligners.
You can adjust cutout visibility in your treatment model using the Attachments Visibility setting.
For quick reference, remember that the viewer legend can be found by clicking Overview in the top bar menu.