Al Jearah Mohammed Mohsen
Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Najran University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Phone: +00966506794076, e-mail:
J Contemp Dent Pract. 2025 Apr 1;26(4):383-387. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3850.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, perception, and awareness of general dentist of Saudi Arabia in respect to clear aligner treatment (CAT).
A cross-sectional study in which a 15-question-based questionnaire was sent to 428 general dental practitioners (GDP) across the region of Saudi Arabia via Google Forms. Five questions each were comprehensively designed to evaluate the knowledge, perception, and awareness of the participants. They were asked to fill the questionnaire and send back the form within 30 days. The data were recorded and statistically analyzed.
A total of 402 responses were received back with a response rate of 94%. Approximately 91.5% GDP were aware about CAT and 94.7% preferred an orthodontist's opinion before starting case of CAT. Approximately 93.5, 94, and 95% GDP agreed that CAT is more comfortable, less painful and easy to maintain oral hygiene as compared to braces and wires, respectively. Approximately 90 and 45.3% GDP believed that CAT can be used to treat simple and complex cases of malocclusion, respectively. Approximately 71% GDP consider that aligners are less technique sensitive than fixed orthodontics. Approximately 48% GDP believed that aligners must be changed after 2-3 weeks. Approximately 47.5% believed that attachment required on all teeth. Approximately 39% consider aligners as medical waste.
General dental practitioners are aware about the concept of aligners, its advantages over braces and patient preferences. However, there is scope of further learning and improvement regarding indication, effectiveness, recommendations, and other technicalities of CAT.
Clear aligner treatment is gaining rapid recognition owing to its esthetic advantage, digital workflow and comfortability. This study highlights the awareness of dentists about the general understanding of CAT but also throws light on their limited knowledge about the technical aspects of the treatment. How to cite this article: Al Jearah MM. Knowledge, Perception and Awareness of Clear Aligner Treatment among General Dentists of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(4):383-387.
本研究旨在评估沙特阿拉伯普通牙医对隐形矫治器治疗（CAT）的知识、认知和了解程度。
一项横断面研究，通过谷歌表单向沙特阿拉伯地区的428名普通牙科医生（GDP）发送了一份基于15个问题的问卷。每个方面分别精心设计了5个问题，以评估参与者的知识、认知和了解程度。要求他们填写问卷并在30天内回复。记录数据并进行统计分析。
共收到402份回复，回复率为94%。约91.5%的普通牙科医生了解隐形矫治器治疗，94.7%的人在开始隐形矫治器治疗病例前更倾向于听取正畸医生的意见。分别约93.5%、94%和95%的普通牙科医生认为，与牙套和钢丝相比，隐形矫治器治疗更舒适、疼痛更少且易于保持口腔卫生。分别约90%和45.3%的普通牙科医生认为隐形矫治器可用于治疗简单和复杂的错颌畸形病例。约71%的普通牙科医生认为隐形矫治器比固定正畸技术敏感性更低。约48%的普通牙科医生认为矫治器必须在2至3周后更换。约47.5%的人认为所有牙齿都需要附着装置。约39%的人将矫治器视为医疗废物。
普通牙科医生了解隐形矫治器的概念、其相对于牙套的优势以及患者偏好。然而，在隐形矫治器治疗的适应症、有效性、建议和其他技术方面，仍有进一步学习和改进的空间。
隐形矫治器治疗因其美学优势、数字化工作流程和舒适性而迅速得到认可。本研究突出了牙医对隐形矫治器治疗的总体了解，但也揭示了他们对该治疗技术方面的有限知识。如何引用本文：Al Jearah MM。沙特阿拉伯普通牙医对隐形矫治器治疗的知识、认知和了解：一项横断面研究。《当代牙科实践杂志》2025；26(4)：383 - 387。
