Root resorption in patients treated with transparent aligners versus fixed orthodontic appliances: one integrative review of the last 5 years
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69849/brmyf138Keywords:
Orthodontics, Root Resorption, Orthodontic Appliances, Tooth Movement TechniquesAbstract
External apical root resorption is one of the main complications associated with orthodontic treatment, characterized by loss of mineralized structure of the dental apex due to the application of mechanical forces. This phenomenon has multifactorial etiology and can vary in severity, being influenced by factors related to orthodontic biomechanics and individual characteristics of patients. With the advancement of orthodontic techniques, especially with the introduction of transparent aligners, it becomes relevant to understand the differences between therapeutic methods regarding their biological effects. Objective: Analyze, through an integrative literature review, the occurrence and severity of root resorption in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with transparent aligners compared to fixed orthodontic devices, considering the scientific evidence published in the last five years. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, carried out in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Cochrane and Science Direct databases, including articles published between 2021 and 2026. The descriptors "Root Resorption", "Orthodontic Appliances, Fixed" and "Orthodontic Appliances, Removable" were used. After screening and exclusion of duplicates, six studies were selected for analysis. Results: The analyzed studies showed that root resorption is a common event in orthodontic treatments, regardless of the technique used. However, most evidence indicates lower occurrence and severity of root resorption in patients treated with transparent aligners when compared to fixed orthodontic appliances. Factors such as strength magnitude and duration, type of tooth movement and individual characteristics directly influence this outcome. It was also observed that, although statistically significant differences have been identified, the clinical relevance of these changes in most cases is limited. Conclusion: Both transparent aligners and fixed orthodontic devices can induce root reabsorption, but the aligners generally have a more favorable profile, with less severity of this adverse effect. Despite this, the choice of technique should consider individual patient needs and orthodontic planning, with clinical and radiographic monitoring during treatment being fundamental. New studies with greater methodological rigor are needed to strengthen the available evidence.
References
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SELVARAJ, Madhanraj; NIVETHITHA, Bhaskar; MADHAN, Balasubramanian. Orthodontically induced external apical root resorption with clear aligners compared to fixed appliance treatment: An umbrella review. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, v. 15, n. 5, p. 938-947, 2025.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Elissa Frauches Dalla, Gisele Saraiva Coutinho de Alencar Arume, Sarah Frota Loiola, Caroline dos Santos Alcantara Oliveira, Marcia Carolina Franco de Sá Dalbone, Adrielen Henrique Picoli, Fernanda de Oliveira Carballal Costa, Sane Nacif Abadessa, Josiel Abrahão Pereira de Oliveira, Bruna Martins Gonçalves (Autor)
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