How to reduce attachments flashes (AFs) during clear aligner therapy (CAT)?

HOW AFs MIGHT AFFECT CAT?

1. AFs affect aligners fitness

2. Fitness of aligners is crucial for CAT efficiency

3. Poor aligners fitness compromises CAT outcomes

The above picture is a courtesy to Dr J Castronova

WHAT ARE THE SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS?

1. Avoid using attachments!

2. Bond attachments then scan and plan.

3. Etching template as suggested by some clinician, I saw Dr J Cope using it.

4. I heard Dr D Walt mentioning what is called Trial-insert (see the slides below).

MY PERSONAL OPINION

• I did not try option 4 but I assume it will take extra time.

• I have used option 3, it is a good option, requires etching template but the AFs were reduced significantly.

• We are currently researching option 2 in an in-vitro study.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?