Research Information System
European annals of dental sciences (Online), vol.52, no.2, pp.111-119, 2025 (TRDizin)
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the treatment experiences of individuals undergoing orthodontic care with clear aligners or fixed appliances. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 90 individuals aged 12–20 years receiving active orthodontic treatment (clear aligners: n=45; fixed appliances: n=45). A structured face-to-face questionnaire including Likert-type and multiple-choice items was used to assess pain, oral hygiene, and appliance usability. Non-parametric continuous variables were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U test, while categorical variables were evaluated using Chi-square and linear-by-linear association tests. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Pain during functional activities was significantly more pronounced in the fixed appliance group. Gingival bleeding and intraoral injuries were also more frequently reported in this group (p=0.004 and p=0.049, respectively). Conversely, speech impairment and halitosis were more commonly observed among clear aligner users (p=0.040 and p=0.007, respectively). Tooth brushing difficulty and the use of auxiliary oral hygiene tools were more prevalent in the fixed appliance group. The frequency of emergency-related additional appointments was significantly lower in the clear aligner group (p=0.023). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding the impact on social life or willingness to recommend the treatment method (p>0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that clear aligners and fixed appliances differ substantially in their effects on patient experience across multiple domains. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating not only biomechanical considerations but also individual patient factors – such as lifestyle, communication needs, and oral hygiene habits – when planning orthodontic treatment.