Understanding the effectiveness of attachments in clear aligner therapy: navigating design, placement, material selection and biomechanics
Sep 16, 2024
About this article
Published Online: Sep 16, 2024
Page range: 63 - 74
Received: Apr 01, 2024
Accepted: Aug 01, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoj-2024-0021
Keywords
© 2024 Gizem Boztaş Demir, published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Figure 1.

Classification of frequently used attachments in clear aligner therapy based on their configuration and dimensions
Classification | Configuration | Mesial-distal dimension | Occlusal-gingival dimension | Buccal-lingual dimension |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional | Elipsoid | 2 mm | 3 mm | 1 |
Rectangular | 2 mm–5 mm | 2 mm–5 mm | 0.5 mm– 1 mm | |
Bevelled | 2 mm–5 mm | 2 mm–5 mm | 0.25 mm (bevelled side)1 mm–1.25 (opposite side) | |
Optimised | Clear aligner provider-determined based on planned tooth movement | Predetermined fixed dimensions by the clear aligner provider | Predetermined fixed dimensions by the clear aligner provider | Predetermined fixed dimensions by the clear aligner provider. |
Customised | Clinician-designed based on individual tooth movement and treatment needs | Variable depending on the clinician | Variable depending on the clinician | Variable depending on the clinician |