International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 15s, 2026

Root Resorption in Clear Aligners vs Conventional Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Review

Dr. Niranjan C Paramshetty1, Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Fouzdar2, Dr. Rahul Sinha3*, Dr. Vinay Guggari4, Dr. Shwetha E5, Dr. Raghavendra Naik6

1MD and Implantologist, KDC Xpress Teeth, RR Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Email: kdc.care@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 0009-0004-7636-6786

2Director and Implantologist, KDC Xpress Teeth, RR Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Email: drbhagyalaxmi@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 0009-0005-2940-584X

3*Consultant Orthodontist, KDC Xpress Teeth, RR Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Email: dr.rahulsinha29@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 0009-0006-1373-0338

4Consultant Prosthodontist and Implantologist, KDC Xpress Teeth, RR Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Email: drvinay.kdc@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 0009-0008-5457-4575

5Consultant Periodontist and Implantologist, KDC Xpress Teeth, RR Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Email: shwethaperio@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 0009-0008-4374-1285

6Consultant Periodontist and Implantologist, KDC Xpress Teeth, RR Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Email: raghu.perio@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 0009-0005-6800-5742

* Corresponding Author: Dr. Rahul Sinha, Consultant Orthodontist, KDC Xpress Teeth, RR Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Email: dr.rahulsinha29@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 0009-0006-1373-0338

ABSTRACT

External apical root resorption (EARR) is a well-recognized iatrogenic consequence of orthodontic treatment involving irreversible loss of cementum and dentin. This review integrates findings from CBCT-based studies, randomized clinical trials, and systematic reviews to compare root resorption associated with clear aligners and conventional fixed appliances. Most studies report mild resorption (<1 mm) in both modalities, with inconsistent evidence regarding superiority. While some investigations demonstrate reduced severity with aligners due to intermittent force application, others report comparable outcomes when biomechanical factors are controlled. Recent research highlights the dominant role of biological variability, genetic predisposition, and treatment mechanics in determining resorption severity.

Keywords: Root resorption; Clear aligners; Fixed appliances; Orthodontics; CBCT; EARR.

How to cite this article: Paramshetty NC, Fouzdar B, Sinha R, Guggari V, Shwetha E, Naik R. Root Resorption in Clear Aligners vs Conventional Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Review. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 219-222. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.26

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None