Early Aligners in Children Show Case-by-Case Results, Review Finds

Posted: July 10, 2026

Early Aligners in Children Show Case-by-Case Results, Review Finds

Edited by Dentaltown staff

A scoping review of clear aligner therapy for children ages 6 to 13 finds that results in mixed dentition are highly case-dependent—a measured message for pediatric and general dentists fielding growing patient interest in early aligner treatment. The review appeared July 4, 2026, in the Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists.

The authors synthesized 59 studies—8 randomized controlled trials, 11 prospective cohorts, 38 retrospective cohorts, and 2 cross-sectional studies—mostly in children ages 7 to 12. Rather than a blanket assessment, they reported performance by indication.

Achieved transverse dentoalveolar expansion with aligners was lower than planned, especially in posterior regions and at gingival levels, and comparative studies suggested rapid maxillary expansion produced greater posterior and palatal change. Mandibular advancement aligners were associated with Class II sagittal improvement that varied with skeletal maturity and dentoskeletal pattern.

Evidence was limited for incisor correction, molar movement, vertical outcomes, airway, oral health, patient-reported outcomes, and smile aesthetics—gaps relevant when general and pediatric dentists set expectations or weigh a referral for interceptive care.

The authors concluded that predictability in mixed dentition is indication-dependent, influenced by movement type, anatomical region, and growth stage, and that confidence is constrained by heavy reliance on retrospective evidence, heterogeneous outcome measures, and inconsistent reporting of post-treatment stability.

As a scoping review, the work maps the evidence rather than grading treatment effects. It was conducted by K. Sipiyaruk, R. Chintavalakorn, and T. Nakornnoi of the Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok.

Sources:
Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists, Clear aligner therapy for early orthodontic treatment in children aged 6-13 years: A scoping review of clinical performance and evidence gaps, July 4, 2026 (PMID 42401484): sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212443826000421


Early Aligners in Children Show Case-by-Case Results, Review Finds

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