This lecture will demonstrate a range of clinical cases, including teenagers and adults, with both simple and complex malocclusions, that have been treated successfully with Invisalign®. The principal differences between orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances and clear aligners will be explained and the risk / benefit of both techniques discussed.

Dr Claire Nightingale MSc BDS (Hons) FDS (Orth) RCS MOrth RCS (Edin) FDS RCS (Eng)

Claire Nightingale, a multiple prize-winning Specialist Orthodontist, was inspired to become an orthodontist at the age of 12, following her ultimately positive experience of serial extractions in the 1970s. She is a part time Consultant at Watford General Hospital, and Dentex partner at Queen’s Gate Orthodontics, London, following her practice sale in 2021. Queen’s Gate Orthodontics won “Best Practice, UK” in the Dentistry Awards 2020, then “Most Transformed Practice”, in the Invisalign® Awards 2022, following their embracement of digital technology. Claire’s private practice is now a majority Invisalign® practice, with Invisalign® case starts exceeding fixed appliance cases starts every year since 2019.

Educational aims and objectives

• To demonstrate a range of simple and complex malocclusions that can be treated successfully with clear aligners.
• To explain the mechanical and efficiency differences between fixed appliances and clear aligners.
• To discuss the risk/benefit of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and clear aligners.

Learning outcomes

• Identify the type of malocclusion amenable to treatment with clear aligners provided by a General Dental Practitioner
• Identify the type of malocclusion amenable to treatment with clear aligners provided by a Specialist Orthodontist
• Discuss both the benefits and risks of orthodontic treatment using either fixed appliances or clear aligners with their patients.
• Understand recent developments in contemporary orthodontic treatment that will help them counsel their patients

GDC development outcome

A, C