Force changes associated with different intrusion strategies for deep-bite correction by clear aligners

Objectives: To investigate the relationships among different intrusion patterns of clear overlay aligners and the corresponding orthodontic forces and to provide guidance for clinical treatment. Materials and Methods: Five sets of removable thermoplastic-formed aligners with the same thickness, designed for different intrusion procedures (G0 aligners as a control group, with no activation; G1 aligners for intruding canines; G2 aligners for intruding incisors; G3 aligners for intruding canines and incisors with the same activations; G4 aligners for intruding canines and incisors with different activation), were manufactured, and the corresponding intrusion forces were measured with a multiaxis force/torque transducer measurement system in real time. Results: With the same activation (0.2-mm intrusion) and rectangular attachments placed on the premolars and first molars, the canines experienced the largest intrusive force when intruded alone using G1 aligners. The canines received a larger intrusive force than incisors in G3. The incisors received similar forces in G2 and G3. First premolars endured the largest extrusive forces when all anterior teeth were intruded with G3 aligners. Extrusion forces were exerted on canines and lateral incisors when using G4 aligners. Conclusions: Aligners with different intrusion patterns exert different forces on incisors, canines, and premolars, and the forces were closely related to the designed activation, shape and position of the attachment and relative movement of the adjacent teeth.