Is the quality of occlusal contacts comparable after aligner and fixed orthodontic therapy? A non-randomized cohort comparison using computerized occlusal analysis during 6 months of retention.

No significant differences in occlusal contact quality were found between groups at treatment completion or follow-up. The center of force moved posteriorly and remained stable after 3 months but was located more anteriorly in females ( = 0.01). One-third of patients (both groups combined) had marked contact force asymmetry even after 6 months' retention. : Occlusal contacts were comparable at completion of treatment with aligners or brackets and after 3-6 months of retention. Settling did not improve marked asymmetry in all patients.