Original Research

Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 2 | Page : 58-71

Perspectives Of Indian Orthodontists on Clear Aligner Therapy Versus Fixed Appliances: A Questionnaire Study

Adheena Nambiar- 1, K.M. Shahul Hameed Faizee- 2, D. Hemamalini- 3, L. Xavier Dhayananth- 4

1- Postgraduate Resident, 2- Professor & Head, 3- Assistant Professor, 4- Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Sathyabama Dental College & General Hospital, Chennai, India.

Address for Correspondence:

Dr Adheena Nambiar

Postgraduate Resident,

Department of Orthodontics,

Sathyabama Dental College & General Hospital, Chennai, India.

Mobile: +91 7619637810

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the perceptions, treatment preferences, and decision-making approaches of Indian orthodontists on the use of clear aligners and fixed orthodontic appliance therapy in various types of malocclusion cases.

METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among practicing orthodontists across India using a convenience-based voluntary response sampling method. A total of 378 responses were received via an online survey platform and were statistically analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize the variables, and the Chi-square test was used to find out the association between the variables.

RESULTS: It was observed that 92.9% of the orthodontists currently use clear aligners in routine clinical practice. Clear aligners were predominantly preferred by 84.1% orthodontists to treat mild to moderate malocclusions mainly due to better aesthetic appeal and patient compliance and better oral hygiene maintenance. Fixed appliances were predominantly preferred to treat more complex malocclusions like extraction cases, open bites, class III malocclusions and orthognathic surgery cases due to better biomechanical control and ability of achieving finishing. Majority (52.4%) orthodontists were inclined towards a combination of treatment approach in complicated cases with an aligner and fixed appliance therapy being combined. Most respondents perceived clear aligners to be associated with better periodontal health and a lower incidence of white spot lesions, whereas fixed appliances were perceived to provide superior anchorage control, torque control, and finishing outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Clear aligner therapy has become an integral part of present orthodontic practice and is preferred for treatment of mild to moderate malocclusions, but for managing complex orthodontic tooth movements, especially with regards to anchorage control and for finer tooth movements fixed appliances are preferred. However, there is an increasing number of orthodontists who favor a combination of both treatment approaches.

KEYWORDS: Clear aligners; Fixed appliances; Orthodontists; Treatment preference; Malocclusion.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND FUNDING

Nil

How to cite this article: Adheena Nambiar, K.M. Shahul Hameed Faizee, D. Hemamalini, L. Xavier Dhayananth. Perspectives Of Indian Orthodontists on Clear Aligner Therapy Versus Fixed Appliances: A Questionnaire Study. Int J Orthod Rehabil 2026; 17 (2): 58-71.

Doi: 10.56501/Intjorthodrehabil.172.ijor0087