Foundational Mechanics of Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT)
Clear aligners are custom-fabricated, transparent plastic shells designed to apply controlled, sequential pressure to specific teeth. Unlike traditional braces that pull teeth using a wire-and-bracket system, aligners "push" teeth into position.
The process begins with a 3D intraoral scan, creating a digital "twin" of the patient's dentition. Specialized software then segments each tooth and calculates the precise path of movement, typically in increments of 0.25 mm per tray. Each set of aligners is worn for 7 to 14 days before moving to the next set in the series. To facilitate complex movements like rotation or extrusion, tiny, tooth-colored resin "attachments" are often bonded to the enamel, acting as anchors for the plastic to grip.
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