Temporary Anchorage Devices in Clear Aligner Therapy: A Systematic Review

This systematic review analyzed the combined use of aligners and orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in orthodontic treatment. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness, benefits, and potential challenges of integrating the use of miniscrews with aligners. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement, and the protocol was registered at PROSPERO under the ID CRD42024576712. A comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant papers involving patients treated with aligners and TADs, dating from 1 January 2004 to 17 July 2024. The electronic database search identified a total of 458 articles. After eligibility, 14 records were selected for qualitative analysis. The findings suggest that the combination of aligners and miniscrews significantly enhances treatment precision and control, especially in cases requiring complex tooth movements, such as intrusion, extrusion, and distalization. The use of miniscrews allows greater control of movement and stability. The integration of these two techniques presents challenges, such as the need for precise miniscrew placement and potential discomfort during insertion. However, there was high satisfaction due to the aesthetic and comfort benefits of aligners. Further research is desirable to delve deeper into the topic to optimize clinical outcomes.