How Clear Aligners Achieve Various Tooth Movements: Labial-Lingual/Mesial-Distal Translation

Labial-Lingual Tooth Translation

Whether with braces or clear aligners, achieving proper tooth translation presents challenges in orthodontics.. This is because either braces or clear aligners can only apply force to the crown of the tooth, while the center of resistance of the tooth is located at the root. Therefore, to achieve translation, both crown movement and root control must be applied together.

Design Points for Labial-Lingual Movement in the Anterior Teeth:

 Labial-lingual movement in the anterior region is relatively easy to achieve with clear aligners.

Design Points for Mesial-Distal Movement:

Mesial-distal movement is more difficult to achieve with clear aligners, primarily because applying force in the mesial-distal direction is not easy. This often requires the use of attachments.

Design Points for Composite Labial-Lingual and Mesial-Distal Movements:

• Both mesial-distal and labial-lingual movements can be achieved within the same stage, depending on the situation.

• These movements can be achieved with or without attachments, depending on the amount of movement required and the shape of the teeth.

This article discusses how clear aligners can achieve labial-lingual and mesial-distal translations, with detailed design points and considerations for each movement type.