Seventy years ago Dr.H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Today, with the application of advanced computer technology and custom manufacturing, made this vision a reality. Orthodontic aligners represent only a small but growing percentage of the total orthodontic cases done in the United Stated. Even though now we have more predictable results, the technology is evolving and the number of experienced clinicians is increasing.
Orthodontic Aligners consist in a series of clear plastic removable appliances digitally fabricated that are intended to replace conventional wire and brackets for many orthodontic cases. Each custom manufactured aligner exerts gentle, continuous and consistent forces to move the patient's teeth in small increments from their original state to a final, treated state. For years orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for orthodontic treatments and the aligner therapy became broadly used, changing paradigms and revolutionizing the way to strengthen teeth. This presentation will address the advantages, disadvantages, indications and potential future of this technique in so clinicians can perform better case selection. Novel and interesting clinical cases will be presented from 1000 cases done in private practice, including the oldest (90 years old) and the youngest (9 years old) patients, besides cases showing space management for the placement of dental implants.