Objective: To evaluate retention protocols and use of vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs) among specialist orthodontists.

Objective: To investigate clear aligner therapy (CAT) practice among orthodontists in the British Orthodontic Society (BOS). Design: A cross-sectional online survey. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to members of the BOS in 2022. The survey comprised questions regarding respondent demographics, general use of CAT, the choice of proprietary CAT appliances, CAT planning, case selection, treatment protocols and orthodontist-reported CAT problems. Results: Overall, there were 233 (19.5%) respondants with the majority (n = 121, 53.1%) being female. Most respondents reported practising in England (n = 171, 74.7%). The majority (n = 177, 77.3%) indicated that they used CAT in their practice, with 48.1% (n = 81) treating 1–20 patients with CAT annually. The most frequently prescribed CAT system was Invisalign (n = 138, 81.2%). One to three changes to the initial digital treatment plan were made by 72.9% (n = 121) with final tooth positions being the most common reason for adjustment (64.4%). Most (n = 97, 60.3%) rarely or never performed premolar extractions with CAT. Of the respondents, 23 12.7%) reported that they always or mostly used a remote monitoring system in conjunction with CAT, with a wide range of aligner change protocols reported. The median number of months required to complete non-extraction CAT reported by the respondents was 12. Most respondents (n = 77, 51.7%) did not feel that CAT provides superior outcomes compared with fixed appliance therapy. Conclusion: CAT practice varied widely among the surveyed orthodontists. A predilection for the use of Invisalign and utility in less severe cases was noted.

Patients with one or more developmentally absent teeth are routinely encountered in dental practice. Tooth agenesis can be associated with significant functional, aesthetic and psycho-social problems. The present article provides an overview of the prevalence and aetiology of tooth agenesis, as well as the condition’s clinical characteristics and management options with reference to the evidence base. A timely diagnosis can facilitate the appropriate planning and management which might not be straightforward, and patient care will likely require multi- and inter-disciplinary input. It is critical that dental care practitioners are aware of the clinical characteristics and management options for tooth agenesis.

Objective: To investigate the total number of digital treatment plan (DTPs) and aligners manufactured for clear aligner therapy (CAT) by Invisalign^® from initial treatment planning to the completion of CAT. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Material and methods: A total of 30 patients, from each of 11 experienced orthodontists, who commenced treatment over a 12-month period, were assessed regarding the number of DTPs and aligners prescribed from initial planning to completion of CAT. Patients were categorised according to the number of aligners prescribed by the initial DTP into mild (29). Results: After the application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 324 patients (71.9% women; median age = 28.5 years) undergoing non-extraction treatment with the Invisalign^® appliance were assessed. The median number of initial DTPs was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2, 1–9) per patient before acceptance by the orthodontist. Most (99.4%) patients required a refinement phase with a median of 2 (IQR = 2, 2–7) refinement plans recorded. A total of 9135 aligners per dental arch, was prescribed in the initial DTP of the 324 patients assessed and 8452 in the refinement phase. The median number of aligners per dental arch prescribed from the initial DTP was 26 (IQR = 12, 6–78) and from the refinement plans was 20.5 (IQR = 17, 0–132). Conclusion: A median of three initial DTPs and two refinement plans were required for patients undergoing non-extraction treatment with the Invisalign^® appliance. Patients were prescribed almost double the number of aligners initially predicted to manage their malocclusion.