Comparison of patient adaptation with in-office aligners with two different levels of the gingival margin

Objective: This prospective clinical study compared the overall patient perception and periodontal health using in-office clear aligners with two gingival margin level heights (gingival level and 2 mm up to the gingival level). Material and Methods: The sample comprised 23 patients treated with in-office clear aligners. The mean age was 28.74 years. The mean initial maxillary and mandibular irregularity indexes were 3.95 and 3.66mm, respectively. Twelve patients started using 2 pairs of aligners trimmed at the gingival margin level (0mm), and 11 patients using 2 pairs of aligners trimmed 2 mm above the gingival margin level. Each set of aligners was used for 14 days. The total evaluation time was 2 months. The Gingival Index Bleed was performed at the end of the use of each type of aligner. On Google Forms, patients answered a 9-item questionnaire about their perception of comfort, adaptation, speech, and swallowing while using the 2 aligners. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the questionnaire grades. Dependent t-test compared the G.I. Descriptive statistics were used to determine aligner preference. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two heights of gingival margin levels in the nine evaluated items. Most patients preferred the 0mm, with comfort and adaptation as the main reason for the choice Those who opted for gingival margin height up to 2 mm mentioned good fit, adaptation, and retention as the main reasons. Conclusion: The patient's perception was similar for speaking, cleaning, esthetics, fit, and retention with the 2 evaluated heights. However, most of the patients preferred the aligners trimmed at the gingival level.