Evaluation of General Knowledge and Understanding of Clear Aligner Therapy Among Dental Students
Keywords:
aesthetics , clear aligner therapy, orthodontic knowledgeAbstract
Background: The growing importance of dental aesthetics has driven increasing demand for adult orthodontic treatment. Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT) has emerged as a prominent aesthetic alternative to conventional fixed appliances.
Aim: To evaluate the general knowledge, understanding, and perceptions of CAT among undergraduate dental students in Iraq, and to assess how this knowledge influences their clinical preferences.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional digital survey was conducted using Google Forms and distributed via WhatsApp and Telegram to dental students across several dental colleges in Iraq during January–March 2026. A total of 164 respondents were included, data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2021.
Results: The sample comprised 164 students (mean age was 21.5 years). Overall, CAT awareness was 61%. The majority correctly identified that clear aligners are not universally indicated (81.7%) and are more expensive than fixed braces (70.1%). Despite higher cost, 65.2% preferred clear aligners. Most students considered CAT less painful (62.8%), requiring fewer clinic visits (71.3%), and posing a lower risk of tooth decay (81.7%). Furthermore, 56.7% believed CAT achieves equivalent clinical efficacy to fixed appliances.
Conclusion: Dental students demonstrate a moderate-to-high level of knowledge about CAT with a strong aesthetic preference for clear aligners. Dedicated curricular workshops and clinical case exposure are recommended to bridge the remaining knowledge gaps.
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