Skip to main content

Case Predictability

  • Updated

What cases are most predictable with Candid Pro aligners?

Answer: Candid Pro aligners are highly effective in treating a wide variety of cases. Here’s a breakdown of the types of cases that are most predictable with Candid Pro aligners:

  1. Mild to Moderate Crowding:
    • Description: This is the core of tooth alignment treatments. Both orthodontists and general dentists frequently manage these cases.
    • Predictability: Very high. Aligners can manage and correct mild to moderate crowding efficiently.
  2. Anterior Crossbite:
    • Description: Cases involving single tooth anterior crossbite, such as with tooth number seven. Even if tooth number ten is involved in a crossbite, aligners are effective.
    • Predictability: High. These cases are commonly and successfully treated with aligner therapy.
  3. Class II Malocclusion:
    • Description: Class II cases vary in severity. An “end-on” Class II (or half-step Class II) is less severe compared to a full Class II.
    • Predictability:
      • End-on Class II: Treatable with aligners, achieving near-full correction.
      • Full Class II: More challenging to correct with aligners alone and may require adjunct forces like Class II elastics.
  4. Space Closure:
    • Description: Closing gaps between teeth.
    • Predictability: Very high for anterior spaces. Aligners effectively close spaces, making this a routine treatment.
  5. Narrow Arches:
    • Description: Narrow arches often result from lingually inclined posterior teeth.
    • Predictability: High. Aligners can upright these teeth, creating more arch length without expanding the mandible's bone structure.
  6. Deep Bites:
    • Description: Cases where the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth.
    • Predictability: High. Aligners can correct deep bites, often with the aid of bite ramps or attachments.
  7. Mild Open Bites:
    • Description: Cases where there is a vertical gap between the upper and lower front teeth.
    • Predictability: High, provided the tongue is not causing the open bite. Attachments may be needed to assist in closing these bites.

These cases represent the “bread and butter” of aligner therapy, successfully managed on a daily basis with Candid Pro aligners. For complex cases, additional treatments or adjunctive measures might be necessary.

 

What problems or malocclusions are less predictable with Candid Pro aligners?

Answer: Thank you for that great question. While Candid Pro aligners are effective for many cases, there are some malocclusions that are less predictable with aligner therapy in general. Let's start with the challenges before moving on to what works really well.

  1. Posterior Cross-Bites:
    • Terminal Molars: Posterior cross-bites involving terminal molars (e.g., teeth 2 and 3) are challenging because of insufficient anchorage.
    • Example Issue: Attempting to expand these molars can create an anterior open bite due to the lingual cusps riding up on the opposing teeth.
  2. Class III Skeletal Malocclusions:
    • Significant Underbite: Cases with a prognathic mandible and retrognathic maxilla are difficult to treat with aligners alone due to bone disharmony.
    • Recommendation: These cases should be referred to an orthodontist and oral surgeon for potential surgery.
  3. Significant Crowding:
    • Severe Crowding: When expansion is not possible without extractions, aligners alone may not be sufficient.
    • Recommendation: Significant crowding should be handled by experienced orthodontists, possibly involving extractions and elastics.
  4. Ectopic Erupting Canines:
    • Blocked Out Canines: These are difficult to treat with aligners due to the risk of gingival defects and the need for extra space.
    • Recommendation: Such cases may require traditional orthodontic approaches.
  5. Myofunctional Problems:
    • Tongue Thrusting and Thumb Sucking: Aligners are less effective if habits causing the malocclusion are not resolved first.
    • Example Issue: Anterior open bites caused by these habits need to be addressed before starting aligner therapy.
  6. Complex Open Bites:
    • Molar to Premolar Open Bites: These are challenging due to potential skeletal issues or myofunctional problems.
    • Lateral Open Bites: Rare but difficult to treat due to tongue thrusting habits in a width direction.
  7. Class II Skeletal Problems:
    • Small Mandible: Cases with a retrognathic mandible often require surgical intervention for optimal results.
    • Recommendation: Treating these cases dentally alone may not provide the best aesthetic and functional outcomes.
  8. Missing Teeth:
    • Periodontal Issues: Missing teeth leading to tipping and super-eruption create complex occlusal problems.
    • Recommendation: Uprighting and restoring such cases may require more than just aligners, potentially involving orthodontic and periodontal treatments.
  9. Intruding Molars:
    • Super Erupted Molars: Aligners alone are less effective at intruding molars.
    • Recommendation: Use of temporary anchorage devices and other orthodontic tools may be necessary.

Related articles