Comparative Effectiveness of Clear Aligners and Functional Appliances in Mandibular Advancement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Review aRticleOver the past two decades, clear aligners have gained popularity due to their aesthetic appeal and comfort.4 In 1946, Kesling developed a method using a series of thermoplastic tooth positioners to gradually align misaligned teeth.5 In 1997, Align IntroductIonClass II malocclusion is one of the most common malocclusions encountered in orthodontic practice and occurs in nearly onethird of the population.It can be due to maxillary protrusion, mandibular retrusion, or a combination of both.If it is associated with mandibular retrusion, the best treatment option is to stimulate mandibular growth by altering the amount and direction of mandibular growth using functional appliances.[1][2][3] According to McNamara, these appliances work by creating a force that repositions the mandible and promotes the remodeling of the condylar cartilage, thereby facilitating mandibular advancement.Mandibular advancement is a critical orthodontic procedure used to correct skeletal Class II malocclusions, which involve a retrognathic mandible.Traditionally, functional appliances have been used, but they can be bulky and less aesthetically pleasing, which may deter some patients.However, with advancements in orthodontic technology, clear aligners have emerged as a viable alternative for mandibular advancement.