Is remote monitoring a reliable method to assess compliance in clear aligner orthodontic treatment?

Abstract

Data source and study design Retrospective cohort study using the data obtained from PlusDental - a Berlin-based health-tech company

Cohort selection and data analysis Patients who completed clear aligner therapy (CAT) in 2019 were selected for this study. A digital-based app was utilised for analysing compliance among patients who underwent non-extraction orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. The sample included 2,644 adult orthodontic patients, three-fourths of them being women and one-fourth men. The primary outcome involved patient compliance, which was evaluated using a questionnaire in the app, completed by the patient. The questionnaire required patients to enter details about the aligner change date, daily wear time and pressure exerted by each aligner. The effect of variables including age, sex, previous orthodontic treatment and satisfaction with one's smile on compliance, were also analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using two-sided chi-square tests.

Results Only 36% of the patient sample were fully compliant and poor compliance was exhibited by 25%. Authors observed that women were less compliant than men and patients with no prior orthodontic treatment were better compliant towards CAT. Also, patients treated with removable appliances exhibited better compliance among those who had a history of previous orthodontic treatment.

Conclusions The authors concluded that non-compliant patients can be identified early, using their results as a guideline. This will help in timely intervention of addressing compliance issues during clear aligner orthodontic treatment.