Objectives: This study aimed to compare predicted tooth movement outcomes generated by aligner software with actual clinical outcomes following aligner therapy. Methods: Ten patients with mild to moderate anterior malalignment treated using in-house aligner therapy were included. Predicted software-generated STL models were superimposed on post-treatment clinical models using MeshLab software. Tooth movement accuracy was evaluated across three spatial planes. Results: Mesiodistal movements showed the highest predictability, followed by buccolingual and vertical movements. Anterior teeth demonstrated greater accuracy compared to posterior segments. Torque and intrusion movements were least predictable. Conclusions: Predicted aligner software models do not fully replicate achieved clinical outcomes. Planned overcorrections are necessary to compensate for biological variability and manufacturing limitations inherent to aligner therapy.
Singh et al. (Sun,) studied this question.