RESUMEN
The implementation of Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT) in adult orthodontics exemplifies the integration of advanced technology in the dental healthcare sector. Representing a significant shift in modern orthodontics, CAT offers a convenient and aesthetic alternative to traditional fixed appliance treatments for mal-aligned dentition. This narrative review aims to explore the applicability of CAT, delineating its biomechanics, indications, contraindications, scope, limitations, and factors influencing long-term stability and successful outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Cereus, and the Cochrane Library. Articles were selected based on their relevance to clear aligners, without brand specificity, and covered a wide range of cases to establish CAT's scope and limitations. This review includes individual case studies, systemic reviews, comparative analyses, case reports, finite element analyses, and prospective and retrospective analyses, all contributing to a nuanced understanding of CAT's applicability and long-term treatment stability. The conclusion underscores CAT's growing acceptance in orthodontics, including its application in challenging cases, and highlights key determinants that bolster its long-term efficacy.
RESUMEN
Background: Patients health education by healthcare workers has been affected by pandemic guidelines. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of an audio-mediated intervention for patient health education (PHE) on treatment compliance and treatment satisfaction among patients seeking prosthodontic treatment during the Covid pandemic. Methods: A total of 666 patients (aged 40-70 years) who fulfilled the study criteria were treated for denture-associated disease. PHE for 5 different categories was performed using an educational audio (MP3) in the experimental group (Group E), and traditional methods (oral/verbal) in the control group (Group C). Patient/clinician satisfaction with the PHE program was evaluated with a pre-validated questionnaire, whereas treatment compliance and satisfaction were evaluated using a denture hygiene index (DHI) and a visual analog scale (VAS). Differences between qualitative variables were determined using the chi-square test, whereas continuous variables were assessed using an unpaired t-test. Differences were considered to be statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Patient satisfaction with PHE was significantly higher and differed in the Group E for two parameters: education method (80%), educational material (94%). For all parameters of procedural education, patient/clinician satisfaction was significantly higher for Group E [method (93%), material (85%), patient preparation (89%), personalized education (84%), program (93%)]. From three different ratings of disease education, 70% in Group E rated education as "effective" as compared to 41% in the Group C. Effectiveness of post treatment, education measured through DHI, revealed a lower hygiene score in Group E (m = 1.18) as compared to Group C (m = 2.92), with differences being significant. For treatment satisfaction, patients in Group E rated higher for speech (m = 8.21), ease of chewing (m = 7.36), and general satisfaction (m = 7.9). Conclusion: This study concluded that using audio as a means of imparting PHE positively influences the treatment compliance and satisfaction among outpatients and overcomes the drawback of wearing mask during the pandemic.